Vernon Lee Watson Jr.

Vernon Lee Watson, Jr., was truly loved by all who knew him. He was born in Laredo, Texas, May 25, 1936. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday December 29, 2020 in Arlington, Texas.

Vernon had a passion for learning. This started at age 5 when he begged his parents to let him attend St. Peter’s Catholic School across the street from their home. His persistence left his parents no choice but to give in. In second grade, his father entered the Navy and the family moved around Texas and Oklahoma for the next 11 years. Consequently, during Vernon’s grade school years he wore a sailor hat every day, and even tried to talk like one.

While attending Hillcrest High School in Dallas for most of his high school years, Vernon’s family moved to Corpus Christi in the middle of his senior year. There he graduated from W. R. Ray High School. He then went on to attend Arlington State College (UTA) where he met his first wife, Patricia Meagher Watson Capps. They were married for 26 years and had four daughters together. Vernon was also a member of the ROTC while working nights at LTV. Later he managed the Meagher family business at the Uptown Theater in Grand Prairie, Texas. He finished his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at the University of North Texas.

Vernon was a skilled organizer and communicator. After graduating college, these talents and his attention to detail contributed to a successful career as both a land developer and a custom home builder. Vernon masterfully built over 200 custom homes, apartment complexes and office buildings in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, including Granbury, Texas. His passion for building and developing left no desire for retirement. Vernon received numerous professional awards, including the Diamond Award from the Greater Fort Worth Builders Association, and was designated as a Certified Master Builder by the Home and Apartment Builder’s Association of Dallas. He also served in a variety of civic leadership capacities; He served on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of Haltom General Hospital in Fort Worth, the Executive Banc Savings Association in New Braunfels, the Grand Prairie Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Grand Prairie Chamber of Commerce. He was a proud member of the Grand Prairie Chapter of Masons and a committed member at his church, First United Methodist of Granbury.

Vernon was a man who greatly valued family, faith and friends. His beloved wife, Joan, along with his daughters, were the light of his life. He and Joan enjoyed serving together at their church in Granbury. His faith in God grew stronger throughout the years and his belief in Jesus Christ carried him on to his heavenly home.

Vernon is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Joan Van De Carr Watson; his Daughters: Kay Lynn Connelly, Husband Rick Connelly – MidlothianTX, Kristi Lee Sutterfield - San Antonio TX, Katherine Lauren Watson - Chicago IL, Kelley Leigh Walker, Husband Warren Walker - Arlington, TX; Stepdaughter: Kristin Renee’ Babek, Husband Danny Babek; 10 Grand Children; 7 Great Grand Children; Sister: Sharon McLaughlin of Buffalo, NY. Preceded in death by his parents, Vernon L. Watson Sr. and Gladys Naomi Greenstreet Watson, Brothers: Roy Watson and John Watson, Stepson: Daniel Kevin Thompson.

Visitation: 4:00 - 6:00 PM, Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at Grand Prairie Funeral Home,

733 Dalworth St, Grand Prairie, TX 75050.

Celebration of Life: 10:00 - 11:30 AM, Thursday, January 7, 2021 at the Funeral Home.

Burial Service: 12:00 PM Immediately Following Celebration of Life Service at Moore Memorial Gardens, 1219 North Davis Drive, Arlington, TX 76012.

Reception: 1:00 PM Immediately Following Burial Service at Warren and Kelley Walker Residence, 1809 Smith Lane, Arlington, TX 76013

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Shriners Hospitals for Children – www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org