James W. Watson

DATELINE: Raeford Mr. James W. Watson of 207 East Prospect Avenue, died Monday, May 31, 2010 in his home at the age of 71. Mr. Watson was born in Tabor City, SC on August 12, 1938, to the late McKever Watson and Ruby Cribb Watson. He was preceded in death by his son, James Craven. Mr. Watson was a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church and he also served in the U.S. Army. James was a long distance trucker most of his early years and was taught to drive Semis by his father. In later years, he became a Pawn Shop Manager in Pembroke and then with Universal Pawn in Red Springs. He love cars, motorcycles and his family very intensely. James loved life and loved practical jokes. Survivors include his wife, Linda M. Watson of Raeford, NC; eight sons: Ricky Watson of FL, Kenneth Laviner and wife Angela of Antioch, NC, Gene Ray Watson and wife Lisha of Raeford, NC, Donnie Watson of IL, James W. Watson, Jr and wife Melody of CA, Jeffrey T. Watson of MO, Joel Blanton and wife Patricia of Garner, NC, and Barry Blanton and wife Janie of TX; five daughters: Jeanette Elaine Booth of FL, Stephanie W. Henderson of MO, Judith Quarles and husband Michael of Monroe, NC , Betsy Quinn and husband Shawn of TN, and Shannon Phelps and husband Jeff of Raeford, NC; two sisters: Joan W. Allen and partner Bill Pope of Hope Mills, NC and Louise W. James and husband Dewey of FL; 35 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. The family will receive relatives and friends between the hours of 7:00 and 9:00 P. M. Thursday, June 3, 2010 at Crumpler Funeral Home, 131 Harris Avenue, Raeford, NC. Funeral Services will be 11:00 A. M. Friday, June 4, 2010 at Hillcrest Baptist Church with Reverend Stephen Bennett officiating. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 8300 Health Park, Suite 10, Raleigh, NC 27615 or Hospice Foundation of Hoke County, PO Box 1584, Raeford, NC 28376 or Hillcrest Baptist Church, Fellowship Hall, PO Box 1533, Raeford, NC 28376.