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89-Year-Old SC Man Loses His Livelihood After Work Truck is Stolen

"It's devastated me. I've never had anything hurt nearly as bad. I've just felt totally exhausted it's like it's taken all the life out of me," says Bill Watkins after his truck was stolen.

Orangeburg, SC (WLTX) — In nearly 90 years of living, Bill Watkins has gone through his fair share of trials in Orangeburg County, but his livelihood being stolen has taken a lot of the fight out of him.

"It's devastated me," he says. "I've never had anything hurt nearly as bad. I've just felt totally exhausted it's like it's taken all the life out of me."

Watkins owns a business called "Signs by Bill".

For over 35 years, his company has created and installed signs and billboards in the Eutawville community. But, this past weekend, a green lift used to install billboards was stolen, and now he's out of work.

"I worked so hard to get that paid off, and I thought I was there," he says. "And somebody just picked it up and walked off with it. I couldn't believe that someone was so low to walk off with that."

"I even offered a reward," Watkins says. "I don't have that much money, but I would do something just to know I could pay my rent."

Watkins has been in the sign-making business for nearly 75 years, and he says it's the joy of going to work that keeps him going. "I love to work, and my health is good. I don't take any medication, and I don't require anything to keep going because I love what I do," he says.

His faith is ultimately what will keep Watkins going, he says.

"I believe in God, and I know he will take care of me," he says. "I'm just so shocked to see anybody do this," he said.

If you see the lift or have any information about the theft, you are asked to contact Crimestoppers anonymously in any of the following ways:

Callers will remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RELATED >> VERIFY: Is Crimestoppers Really Anonymous?

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