Johnny was born in Bonham to Tom and Ruth Watson on August 20,1946. The family later settled in Grand Prairie where he grew up. He was a veteran of the Army and served in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Johnny went on to serve as a Firefighter for the city of Arlington for 31 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. He served as president of the Arlington Fire Fighters’ Association for many years and remained active with the organization his entire career.
Johnny was also an officer of the American Legion Post 310 for 30 years. One of his proudest accomplishments was becoming a friend of Bill W. 13 years ago, and later helping others overcome addiction.
Johnny is preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Ruth Watson, sister Tina Watson, and brother Jimmy Watson.
He is survived by wife Lisa Watson of Mabank, children; Lana Carr of Grand Prairie, Lisa Van Antwerp of Frisco, Mark Watson and husband Steve Day of Dallas, Jamie Watson of Fort Worth, Jesse Carr of Mabank, Jason Morton of Gun Barrell City, Colby Morton of Mabank, and Chelsea Payne of Gun Barrell City, and Justin Carr of Mabank, grandchildren; Kaitlyn, Christopher, Madi, Marleigh, Peyton, Scarlett, Shaylee, Carlee, Layton and Malachi.
The family requests memorials be made to the American Legion Post 310 General Fund, 113 The Lee Way, Gun Barrell City, TX 75147.