William Harold Watson Jr.

Born January 8, 1940, in Spartanburg, S.C., to William H. Watson and Grace Boroughs Watson, Bill was a Christian husband, father and grandfather. After attending Winthrop Training School in Rock Hill, S.C., he graduated from Clemson University in 1962. Bill went to work as a management trainee at Sears Roebuck and Company in 1962 and continued his 32 years of service in various management assignments until his retirement in 1994. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving as a lieutenant in the 11th Air Assault Division at Fort Benning, Georgia.

After accepting Jesus Christ as his personal savior in 1952 and recommitting his life to Jesus in 1972, his faith was an important part of his life. Following his retirement from Sears he served as Executive Vice-President of Walk Thru the Bible Ministries for 11 years. Bill served in the faith community as an ordained deacon, lay speaker, Sunday school teacher and small group leader. He was a member of Community Church on St. Simons Island.

Bill was a man of integrity with the gift of discernment. He was faithful to God and family and was well known for his wisdom and sharp wit.

Bill is survived by his wife Nancy Jan Crook Watson to whom he was married 61 years, his son William H. Watson III and daughter-in-law Diana Watson of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and daughter Kara Watson Peterson and son-in-law Erik Peterson of Atlanta, Georgia. Also surviving ”Papa” are the joys of his life, his five grandchildren, Sophia and Brigitte Watson, and West, Cole and Cash Peterson.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Monday, January 23, at 2pm at Community Church on St. Simons Island. A reception will follow at the church. Interment will take place at Oglethorpe Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Community Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.edomillerandsons.com for the Watson family.