Billy Jack (B. J.) Watson, of Coldspring, Texas, passed away at 11:21 a.m. on August 26, 2019, at the age of 90. B. J. was born in Bessemer, Alabama on April 16, 1929 to John and Zora Watson. He graduated from Aldine High School in 1947 and joined the Marine Corps in June of 1947. He was honorably discharged June 1, 1950 at the rank of Staff Sergeant. He played on the Marine Corps football team, while stationed on Guam during the Korean War. He also served as a Tank Driver.
B. J. worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for 36 years as a lineman, installer, repairman, and crew supervisor. He loved sports, played football, and ran track in high school. He adored water sports, particularly boating and water skiing. Cars were also one of his passions. B. J. chose to move his family to Galveston Bay, and raise his daughters in La Porte (Shoreacres), Texas was a member of the Rotary Club and Elks Lodge. Above all, he loved his family and country.
He is predeceased by his parents, John and Zora Watson; his wife of 40 years and mother of his two daughters, Vivian Joy Watson.
He is survived by his loving wife, Florence, of 26 years. They were married in Pasadena, Texas in 1993.
B. J. is lovingly remembered by his two daughters, Deb Potts of Temecula, California and Bari Funda of League City, Texas; grandchildren, Taylor Potts, Jamie Castillo, Crystal Baldwin (husband, Casey), and Brad Funda; step-grandchildren, Josh Elliot, Cody Elliot, Kristin Elliot, and Kelly Elliot; great-grandchildren, Cameron Castillo, Colton Castillo, and Faith Baldwin; and son-in-laws, John Potts and Joey Funda.
Visitation will occur Friday, August 30, 2019, from 9:30 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. at Forest Park East Funeral Home Chapel in Webster, Texas. His Celebration of Life Service will follow at 10:00 A.M. Pastor Mike Carlin will be officiating. Interment will follow at 11:00 A.M. at Forest Park East Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association. Condolences for the family may be offered online at DignityMemorial.com.
