Roy Lee Watley

Roy Lee Watley was born in Greenville, SC and the was the son of the late Eddie Watley, Sr. and Rosetta Wilson Watley. He married Christine Johnson. 

He attended school in Ware Shoals and received his GED. He enlisted in the South Carolina Army National Guard on August 22, 1977.  He received training in Light Wheel Vehicle Mechanics; Cable System Installation and Maintenance. During his service he was deployed internationally. He retired from the Army National Guard on July 16, 2004, after serving twenty-six years, with a retirement grade of Honorary Sergeant. His awards and decorations include the following: Army Achievement Medal; Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal with One Silver and One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; National Defense Service Metal; Humanitarian Service Medal; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Bronze Hourglass; Army Service Ribbon; Marksmanship Qualification Badge; South Carolina Achievement Ribbon; South Carolina Active State Service Medal; South Carolina Palmetto Service Ribbon; South Carolina Governor’s Unit Citation; and the South Carolina Guardsman Retirement Medal. 

He was employed at Riegel Mills in Ware Shoals, SC and at Wal-Mart Distribution Center in Laurens, SC.

Roy affectionately known as Change Maker (Money Maker) and Jaw Breaker (if you know you know), was a gentle giant, who was a loyal friend and honest man, that was straight to the point, and kind, but would get you together if you crossed him or his family (reference the jaw breaker nickname above). He prided himself on being on time, which in his terms meant if you were on time, you were late. He always arrived at least 30 minutes early. He loved singing especially with his brothers, The Southern Travelers, and on the Dunn Creek Male Choir. He loved to fish, shoot guns, and watch basketball, baseball and football. His favorite teams were the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Lakers, and the New York Yankees. He loved cracking jokes and wasn’t shy from accepting a good meal. He enjoyed spending time with his daughters, brothers, cousins, and friends. He loved the Lord and singing gospel songs.

Roy Lee Watley leaves to mourn his memory two daughters, Tammy L. Watley of Columbia, South Carolina and Leslie T. Watley of Owings Mills, Maryland. Two grandsons Timothy I. Bryant of Columbia, South Carolina and Levi T. Watley of Owings Mills, Maryland. One granddaughter, D’Aisha A. Braddick of Columbia, South Carolina. One grand-dog Sassy M. Watley of Owings Mills, Maryland. Three brothers, James Edward Watley, Thomas Watley (Selena), Isaac Watley, Sr. all of Ware Shoals, SC. Nieces and nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. Special friends/brothers who looked out for him and never asked for a dime in return, James (Jamie) and Danny Ray, even though he tried to pay them.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Christine Watley, both parents, two brothers Perry Watley, Eddie Jr., one sister, Carrie Jones, and nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service will be 2pm Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at Dunn Creek Baptist Church.

Professional service entrusted to Robinson-Walker Funeral Service.

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