Vance Edwin Watson Sr.

Visitation and funeral services will be held graveside on February 26, 2026, at Brunswick Memorial Park Cemetery in Brunswick, Georgia. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by funeral services at 2:00 p.m.

Vance was born on December 24, 1941, in Appling County, Georgia. He spent most of his life in Brunswick and graduated from Glynn Academy in 1960. After completing electronics technical training in Atlanta and attending a series of Air Force technical schools, he began what would become a distinguished 35-year career in the Georgia Air National Guard. For 33 of those years, he faithfully served with the 224th Joint Communications Support Squadron in Glynn County. Rising to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, his final assignment at the 224th was as Chief of Maintenance. His dedication, discipline, and steady leadership earned the respect of those who served alongside him and defined his civil service and military career.

In 1974, Vance married the love of his life, Sharon Diane Watson. Together they built a strong and loving family rooted in faith, commitment, and perseverance. In later years, they found great joy in the mountains of Western North Carolina, where they eventually built their permanent second home—a testament to Vance’s skill, determination, and hands-on craftsmanship. In fact, he built two of his family’s primary homes with his own hands. He was never one to simply dream; he believed in rolling up his sleeves and doing the work.

Vance loved the Lord and his family above all else. His faith quietly guided the way he lived, worked, and loved. His devotion was not merely spoken—it was demonstrated daily through his steadfast commitment to those he cherished. He was most content when surrounded by family, whether during holidays, cheering at ballgames, or enjoying simple evenings together.

He had a passion for fast cars, especially Fords, and even drag-raced regionally prior to his marriage. He was a loyal fan of Braves baseball, UGA and Falcons football, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer on his teams. Yet what brought him more satisfaction was working with his hands. Whether repairing, building, or improving something, he approached every task with patience, precision, and determination.

Vance believed in honest work and took deep pride in creating things that would endure. The homes he built, the projects he completed, and the countless things he repaired were more than accomplishments—they were reflections of his character: dependable, capable, and built to last.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Vance Watson and Marie Murray Watson; his daughter, Kimberlee Diane Stafford; and his grandson, Spencer Noah Watson.

Vance is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Sharon Diane Watson of Brunswick, Georgia and Franklin, North Carolina; his sisters, Nadine Watson and Linda Watson of Brunswick; his children, Vance Watson, Jr., Vanessa Watson, Dwight Brown, and Davis Brown, Jr. (Elizabeth); ten grandchildren, Nicole, Kelly, Austin, Paige, Josh, Claudia, Levi, Gabriel, Hunter and Shelby; eight great-grandchildren along with extended family members, and dear friends who will forever cherish his steady presence and guiding strength.

Vance will be remembered as a man of integrity, wisdom, and unwavering reliability—a steadfast pillar who made his family feel safe and deeply loved. His legacy lives on in the homes he built, the lives he shaped, and the family he so faithfully led.

He is now in the presence of his Savior, resting in eternal peace.