David Garrett Watson Sr.

David Garrett Watson, Sr. 88, passed away December 9th, 2011 at his home in Brandon, with loving family and Hospice Services at his bedside. He was born February 18th, 1923 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the oldest of four children.

Mr. Watson proudly served his country in the US Navy and was a Pearl Harbor survivor, having served aboard the gunboat USS Sacramento during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Shortly after his term in the navy, Mr. Watson met his future bride Jessie Faye Hampton. They were married in 1947 and lived in Indianapolis where he began his career in the newspaper business as a journalist with the Indianapolis Star. After relocating to Florida, Mr. Watson continued his career in journalism with the Tampa Tribune where he remained until his retirement in 1988. He was proud to call himself a Mason and was Past Master of DeSoto Lodge 105 F & AM in Riverview, Florida.

Mr. Watson is survived by his devoted and loving family; son David Jr. (Betty), of Apollo Beach, Florida, and three daughters Vicki Marsee (Donald) of Temple Terrace, Florida, Debby Stewart (Greg) of Tampa, Florida, and Donna Kovash (Paul) of Tampa, Florida; nine grandchildren Donald Marsee II (Dawna), Robert Marsee (Ali), and Shawn Marsee; Greg Stewart II (Crystal) and Michael Stewart; Jessica Tibbits (JD), Sarah Watson, Gabrielle Watson and Osa Winter; seven great grandchildren Brendyn, Chandler, Lia and Jackson Marsee; McKenna and Delaney Stewart; Kylee Tibbits; he is further survived by his brother Richard Watson of Indianapolis, Indiana and sister Florence Watson Johnson of Las Vegas, Nevada, as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Mr. Watson was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jessie Faye (Hampton) Watson of Brandon, Florida, his parents Lehmon and Florence Watson and his brother, Edwin Russell (Bud) Watson of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Funeral Details

Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home, 2323 West Brandon Blvd. Brandon, Florida 33511. Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at 1:30 PM with services beginning at 2:30 PM. Military Honors will be held at graveside immediately following service.

In Lieu of Flowers

His family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to LifePath Hospice, 12973 N. Telecom Pkwy, Suite 100, Temple Terrace, FL 33637 or lifepath-hospice.org, or by phone to 1-866-204-8611.