Sandi L. Watkins

Augusta, Ga.- Sandi Lail Watkins passed away peacefully March 26, 2025.

Sandi was born March 23, 1957 in Hickory, North Carolina to the late William and Sandra Lail.

After graduating from Stranahand High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Sandi met the love of her life, “Wild” Bill Watkins, and made Augusta her home.

Outside of her blood-related family, The Queen of Broad Street came to be known throughout the C.S.R.A., and beyond, from her perch by the window at The Sports Center, serving locals and golf fans from around the world the best burgers and onion rings to be found. Sandi ran “594,” as she referred to it, with a tactful iron fist, a chef’s kiss, and perfectly-served helpings of a mother’s love- somehow knowing what her customers needed when they themselves did not.

The Queen, in her time away from 594, was a bit of a renaissance woman who was an avid reader, a green thumb in the garden, someone who enjoyed the finery of antiques, the peacefulness of fishing, and every second of time in which she could revel in the salty air of Edisto Island and its beaches. Above all these, Sandi most enjoyed time spent with her children and grandchildren, her pride and joy.

Her customers, who adopted her as a family member, and she them in return, will remember Sandi being more knowledgeable than most when it came to Saturdays in the fall and college football. Though aware of all games, her favorite team never changed: it was whoever she may have laid a friendly wager upon.

Though she often had a strong dose of ambivalence for some of the regulars who inhabited the 500 block of Broad Street, her children remember each Christmas Eve with fondness. The entire family would pitch in at the restaurant, all hands on deck, until all of the food prepared that day was sold and they closed. Going home for the day, well-earned naps were taken, followed by Midnight Mass, and finally a celebratory Waffle House feast before Santa’s arrival in the morning.

Masters Week was always an especially busy week for Sandi which she enjoyed not only for the increased business, but also for her legion of friends and customers who came to see her from around the world. Sunday was her favorite, cooking out in the yard at home with friends and family, while being able to hear the roars through the trees at The National as the leaders climbed up and fell off of the board.

In addition to her parents, Sandi was predeceased by her husband, William Clayborne Watkins, her son William Travis Watkins, and her sister Jane Utley.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, James Watkins (Lauren) of Augusta, and Marylou Frazier (Scott), Bennetts Point, SC. Grandchildren: James Allen Watkins, Annalail Louise Watkins, Catherine Louree Frazier, and Stephen Scott Frazier III (Tripp). Her sister, Sharon Churchwell of Panama City, Florida, and special nieces and nephews, Leslie Churchwell, Tyler (Carrie) Churchwell, Logan (Lisa) Churchwell, and grandnephews Sebastian and Little Logan.

A list of friends far too numerous to name individually also remain to remember her fondly.

A member of St. Mary on the Hill, Sandi’s graveside services will be held at 12 noon, Tuesday April 1st at Westover Cemetery, 2601 Wheeler Road, Augusta Georgia 30904.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you lend a helping hand to a fellow man in need when you are able.

One of Sandi’s favorite phrases was: “It’s not over until the fat lady sings!”

Friends, the fat lady has sung!

The Queen is dead!

May her memory live in our hearts and through our deeds forever.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com