Edgar Big Ed Lee Watson

Mr. Watson was born in Knoxville, Tennessee July 13, 1928. He was the son of the late Carl Edgar Watson and Elizabeth Louise Sheer Watson. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Jane Watson Moore and her husband, Willis, of Cleveland, Tennessee.

Mr. Watson was a native of Knoxville, Tennessee and a graduate of the Tennessee Military Institute and earned his Industrial Engineering degree from the University of Tennessee (Go Big Orange). He served his country in the Army Corps of Engineers. He was a faithful and loving member of his church family, First Presbyterian Church of Rome, where he served many years as an elder.

“Big Ed” is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Mrs. Mary Ann Watson, and his three children “Buckshot” Lee (Allison) Watson of Rome, “Sister” Becky (Chris) Stansel of Rome, and “Monkey” Elizabeth (Hank) Alford of Columbia, South Carolina. Also surviving are six grandchildren and four great grandchildren, two nephews and a niece.

“Big Ed” will be remembered as having never met a stranger. He enriched our world with his humor, wisdom, strength and kindness.

The family received friends on Tuesday, April 18, 2017, from 6 until 8 p.m. at Daniel’s Funeral Home. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at First Presbyterian Church, Rome. Interment followed at Sunset Hill Memorial Gardens of Rome. The United States Army provided military rites at the gravesite.