George W. Watson

George was born in Crowell, Texas to George and Estella Watson. He married Abbie Lou Woods in Tahlequah, Oklahoma on November 8, 1943, and they made their home in Oklahoma for seven years. In 1950, they moved to Hanford, California to make their home and raise their family. George was a true cowboy who enjoyed being outdoors and riding.At the age of 57, George completed his high school education and received his diploma from Hanford High School. George was a contractor for many years, working with his sons, Jerry and Lee. In 1985,he became a Contract Inspector, and he retired in 2000. He enjoyed spending time with his family. George’s hobbies were hunting, fishing, inventing, welding, and lapidary. He was a faithful member of the Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, and he helped with the construction of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Armonaand the Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Visalia. In the 1960s, George taught Sunday School and drove the bus to pick up young people for church. He spent many a Thanksgiving Day in the 1990s at the Salvation Army serving Thanksgiving dinner to less fortunate families. His sons have fond memories of George’s being a Boy Scout Leader for Armona Troops 495 and 456 and of the many times that they went with their dad on trips, rain or shine. George was preceded in death by his wife, Abbie,his infant son, four brothers, two sisters, and his dear friend, Madge Hughes, of Albuquerque, NM.

George is survived by his children: Virginia Wilson and spouse Tommy; Velma Chartrandand spouse Bill; Beverly Rieckenbergand spouse Robert, all of Hanford; Jerry Watson and spouse Janet of Visalia; Linda Nauheimerand spouse Johnof Clovis; and Lee Watson and spouse Pam of Hanford; 15 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 17, 2011 from 4 – 8 p.m. at People’s Funeral Chapel, 501 N. Douty St., Hanford, CA. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at Grangeville Cemetery in Armona, CA.

Donations may be made in George’s name to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10001 or to American Heart Association, PO Box 60000, San Francisco, CA 94160.

Condolences may be offered at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com

Arrangements entrusted to People’s Funeral Chapel, 501 N. Douty St., Hanford, CA 93230 (559) 584-5591.