James "Jimmy" A Watford

James Arnold Watford was born June 5, 1966 to Jacqueline and Nolan Watford in Florence, S.C. A lifelong resident of Cayce, S.C., he passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 16, 2018, leaving behind a loving wife and daughter, and scores of friends.

Hard-working, outgoing and always willing to help others, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout — Scouting’s highest rank — before graduating from Brookland Cayce High School in 1984. In 1992, James wed the love of his life, Ruth Ellen White. In 1997, they were blessed with their only child, Josie.

He will be remembered as one of those rare “go to” people others turned to when there was a problem, knowing he was always willing to help in any way he could. As sports fan, James loved the Gamecocks and the Carolina Panthers. He was funny, compassionate and wherever he went, he was always surrounded by friends. To support his family, he worked multiple jobs, ranging from security to information technology. At the time of his passing, he was working as a luthier for Palmetto Strings, as well as a driver for PTI Railroad.

James is survived by his wife, Ruth Ellen Watford and daughter Josie, both of Cayce; brothers Nolan Ernest Watford Jr. of Athens, Ga., and Russell Stuart Watford of Fort Mill, S.C.; mother-in-law Judy White of Columbia; niece Emily Jones of Waxahachie, Texas; nephews Zakk White of Houston, Texas, Alex White of Dallas, Texas and Benjamin Watford of Athens, Ga.; and many, many friends who loved him.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother Wendel Travis Watford, and father-in-law Neal Robert White Jr.

A celebration of life will be held 6 p.m., Tuesday, August 21, 2018, at the Barr Price Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel, 609 Northwood Road, Lexington, S.C.  The family will greet friends prior to the service beginning at 5 p.m.

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