Johnny Joe Watson

Johnny “John” Joe Watson, 73, of Baytown went to his eternal home on December 6th, 2025. He left this world the same way he lived his life, surrounded by love, family, and music. He loved a good story, and his story is one of love, family, and time well spent.

John was born to Alma Nell (Polly) Eason and Joseph Edward (Joe) Watson on August 8th, 1952 in Liberty, Texas. He had three older siblings, Harold, Carole, and Sharon.

He was born in the 1950s, but grew up mainly in the 60s and 70s. It was a time when some of the best music and most iconic cars could be heard and seen around the streets of East Texas. That’s where John developed a love for music and Chevrolet. From DooWop to Country, Soul to Gospel, he loved them all. Even so, everyone that knew him knew that Elvis Presley was his favorite.

John later pursued his love of music, playing the saxophone in the marching band at Milby HS. After High School he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Air Force, where he was stationed at Minot, North Dakota during the Vietnam War.

After leaving the service, he enjoyed driving trucks, even hauling molasses for the family business. John occasionally took his kids, Wendy and Jerry, along for a ride in his Peterbilt, where they learned to appreciate Stuckey's Pecan logs and great country music. He took on various jobs as a Heavy Equipment Operator. Later on, he worked as a Plant Operator for Shell Refinery and Intercontinental Terminals Company, eventually becoming a Marine Dispatcher at ITC. But whatever work he took on, he did with great dedication. He was the kind of man who never shied away from work, and got the job done.

When he wasn’t at work, he enjoyed dancing (2 stepping), singing, spending time with friends and family, and listening to music on his Seeburg jukebox. Many times you could find him wearing a starched pair of Wranglers and button-down shirt, cowboy boots, and sometimes even a leather jacket. But as cool as he appeared, he was always the most genuine, loving, and selfless person you could meet.

Someone who was very near and dear to John’s heart was his Mama, Polly. Not only did she inspire much of his love for music (especially Elvis), but also his strong faith and love for Jesus Christ. Polly was there to witness her son finding the love of his life, Terrie McNulty, and welcomed her to the family. When they wed, Terrie blessed John with two more children, Christy and Kevin, completing her dream of having 4 children. But people who knew John and Terrie knew that they had way more than 4 kids! They were a “Bonus Mom and Dad” to many young people over the years. They were gracious hosts at their Baytown home for decades, making countless memories for all who were blessed to have stayed there. Terrie would go on to love John for the rest of his life. They did everything together, a testament to their love for each other. She stayed by his side until the very end. They enjoyed 37 beautiful years of love, laughter, and family.

John spent his latter years doing all the things he loved with all the people who loved him. Many days you could find him dancing with Terrie in the garage. He played all his favorite 45s on the jukebox for his nieces and nephews and all the grandchildren, often secretly sharing his Folgers coffee or Dr Pepper with them. (he was very brand-loyal) Aside from his children and grandchildren, many nieces and nephews over the years enjoyed a special bond with Uncle John. He freely gave of his time and attention to anyone who wanted it, never too busy to lend a hand or an ear. He leaves behind a lot of people who had no doubt that they were loved, whether they were family, friends, or neighbors that became like family. Among his best friends were his beloved Sadie Mae and Prissy. He loved his dogs.

Rest in paradise, John. And thank you for all the great memories. You were one of a kind.

John was a dedicated son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. For those who were blessed to know him were sure to love him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Polly Watson, nephews, Gregory and David Ott and Joe Chabert, brother Harold Watson, and Brother In Law, Arthur Avant.

John is survived by his wife Terrie Watson, and sisters Carole Avant and Sherry Watson. Also surviving are his children, Wendy Bach (Brian) of Topeka, KS, Jeremy Watson (Debbie) of Topeka, Christy Hammack (David) of Mont Belvieu, Tx., and Kevin Sowders (Nikki) of Baytown, Tx. He leaves behind nine grandchildren (Taylor, Jazlyn, Kelsey, Kayla, Jonah, Hayleigh, Madison, Aiden, and Kayson and one Great Grandchild, Aria).

Visitation will be held from 12-1 pm, Friday, December 12, 2025, at Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, Texas 77521, with the funeral service to begin at 1 pm. Committal will follow at Earthman Memory Gardens Cemetery in Baytown, Texas.