Arnold Eugene "Gene" Watson

Arnold Eugene “Gene” Watson was born in Bristow, Oklahoma to Price Marvin and Ruby (Golden) Watson. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 8, 2022, at the age of eighty-five after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s.

Gene accepted Christ at the age of seven. He went on to be a faithful servant of the Lord for his church homes and most recently, Calvary Assembly of God and then First Baptist of Atlanta in Dunwoody, GA. He volunteered with the church choir, church orchestra, church financial office for 25 years, visited shut-ins through the Nursing/Retirement Home Ministries, and worked in the FBA Worship Orchestra Library and the Global Missions Ministry. He also served as Deacon, Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher and Officer, Chair Finance Committee, Chair Pastoral Search Committee, Youth Leader, Bible Quiz Team Coach, Song Leader, and Pastor’s Prayer Partner.

Gene attended schools in Clarksdale, MS where his family resided. He later graduated Cum Laude in 1959 from Mississippi State University with a degree in Industrial Management. He began his long and illustrious career with IBM as a Systems Engineer in Jackson, MS, Columbus, MS, and New Orleans, LA. He worked as an IBM Advisory Application Analyst in Atlanta, GA until his retirement in 1991 after a 33-year career.

Gene and his future wife, Ethel Inez Beaver, were both volunteering for a Prison Ministry when a savvy youth pastor got them to ride together in a tiny elevator. God’s providence took place and after dating for several years, they were married on June 16, 1963. Ethel was the love of his life, and they enjoyed a 59-year marriage until his death. They lost their first child, Jeanine Leah, as an infant. They went on to raise four children: Andrew Watson (Michelle) of Las Vegas, NV, Philip Watson (Lisa), of Simpsonville, SC, Noella Thwaites of Duluth, GA, and Jeanine Reagan (Steve) of Flowery Branch, GA. He was also Pappaw to six grandchildren: Katie Tobias, Victoria Parrella (Luc), Matthew Watson, Thomas Thwaites, Kristen Camp (Jay) and Eliana Reagan. He loved working puzzles with his family, playing games and making everyone laugh. He was a quiet man with everyone else, but for the family and friends who really knew him, he was dramatic and silly. Along with Meemaw, he took his family on many wonderful vacations, fun adventures and hosted many “cousin sleepovers.” He loved to snuggle the babies in the family and be with the ones he loved most.

Gene had a beautiful tenor singing voice and used it to glorify God through church choirs and other opportunities. His specialty was “Happy Birthday,” which he would lovingly sing to his family. He loved music so much that certain music would stir him to tears. He played the trumpet for over 70 years until he lost his ability due to Alzheimer’s. He played in church orchestras, the Southwinds Orchestra and New Horizons Band for many years. He also used his gifts to perform duets with Ethel on piano for the Atrium Georgetown Retirement Home Vesper Service Music Ministry for 29 years.

Gene was in a terrible car accident while on a business trip in his early twenties. Doctors believed that he would never walk, talk, or think again. God had the final word and healed him. He went on to have a successful career and was the smartest man that his kids knew and who named him, The Human Calculator. He had the most beautiful handwriting and addressed the majority of the family’s Christmas cards each year. He was a faithful Christian, kind, smart, funny, hard-working, loyal, and dependable. He was always impeccably groomed and a perfect gentleman. Even after working in the yard, he would make sure he cleaned up with a freshly washed face before coming to the kitchen table for lunch or dinner. His family has fond memories of his animated game playing, clipping coupons at the kitchen table, and practicing his trumpet in the living room.

Most of all, he was an incredible husband to Ethel over their 59 years of marriage. He wrote her love notes on the 16th of each month (to mark their wedding date), and they fell asleep each night holding hands. Much to their children’s dismay at times, they did not hold back on public displays of affection with each other. Ethel’s pet name for him was “Lover” and she was “Baby.” He was her “help-mate” by making trips to the grocery stores, wrangling kids, and washing dishes. The Watson children went to sleep each night being secure in the knowledge that their father loved their mother. They always knew they could count on him to provide and be a man of integrity.

Although his family is sad his body has left us, they are rejoicing that he has been made whole in the arms of The Father. They are forever grateful to the countless caregivers and to The Phoenix at Braselton for their care as he diminished in the last 3 years of his illness. They also appreciate the love and support they have received from friends and family, especially over the recent years.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Gene’s name to Samaritan’s Purse, Gideons International or the Alzheimer’s Association.