Jeff Wyatt Watkins, 77, entered eternal rest on Thursday, May 8, 2014, at Woodruff Manor in Woodruff.

He was born in Cliffside, N.C., and was a son of the late Oscar Gene Watkins and the late Elizabeth Wood Watkins. He was a graduate of Green Bethel High School in Boiling Springs, N.C., and Friendship College, Rock Hill.

A member of Suck Creek Baptist Church, Jeff resided in Washington, D.C., for 55 years. While in Washington, he attended Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church. He was employed as head chef at City Tavern in D.C. and has cooked for several presidents, including President Carter and President Clinton.

He was preceded in death by four siblings, Calvin Dewitt Watkins, Joyce Diane Watkins, Kathleen Watkins Rodgers and Nellie Jean Watkins.

Surviving are two sisters, Grace Helen Martin of Boiling Springs, N.C., and Geraldine Watkins Sarratt (Nathaniel) of Gaffney.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 13, at 3 p.m. at Suck Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Tony Macomson officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. He will lie instate Tuesday from 2 p.m. until the hour of the service.

The family is at the home of his niece, Lisa Bridges, 110 Stacy Drive.

Arrangements by The Gilmore Mortuary.