Oscar Clovis Watson Sr.

Oscar was born August 13, 1928, in Holmes County, Mississippi, a son of the late Henry O. Watson and Mary Elizabeth Welcher Watson. Raised on a farm, Oscar learned the dignity of work and pride of labor at an early age. Following his service in the U.S. Marine Corps, Oscar met and married the love of his life, Earline Jones, in 1955.

Throughout his career life Oscar filled many roles. He managed service stations in Mobile, Hattiesburg, and Jackson, and then worked for Challenger Electric (formerly Zinsco/GTE Sylvania) for more than 29 years until his retirement.

While residing in Jackson, Oscar was a member of Highland Baptist Church, and later joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church when he moved to Florence.

In his spare time Oscar enjoyed hunting and watching wrestling and TV westerns. He was also known to be somewhat superstitious, especially on Friday the 13th.

Oscar’s family was his number one priority and the joy of his life. He enjoyed nothing more than gathering his family together for a meal, preferably his favorite catfish at Jerry’s.

Oscar will best be remembered for his dedication and appreciation of hard work and his devotion to our Lord and his family. These qualities he instilled in his sons and grandchildren, and they will honor his memory as they carry on his life’s lessons.

Oscar is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Earline Watson; sons, Oscar Clovis Watson, Jr. (Karen Ann), William Allen Watson, Sr., and Randy Earl Watson, Sr. (Karen); sisters, Pauline Hammack, and Martha Chisolm; grandchildren, William Allen Watson, Jr., Joseph Aaron Watson, Angela Marie Watson, Randy Earl Watson, Jr., David Oscar Watson, and James Tyler Watson; and great-grandchildren, William Allen “Trey” Watson, III, Wyatt, Garrett, and Abby Moss, Christopher Watson, Nathan Watson, Kelsey Marie Watson, Brooklyn Michelle Watson, Hailey Elizabeth Watson, Charlotte Rose Watson, and Olivia Claire Watson.

Visitation will be held from 2:00pm until 5:00pm, Sunday, February 23, 2020, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Funeral services are 1:00pm, Monday, February 24, 2020, in the funeral home chapel with interment in Lakewood Memorial Park.