James O. Watson Jr.

Born severely premature, with double pneumonia, Lucky was given little chance to survive by his doctors, thus earning his lifelong nickname on the day he was released to go home with his parents.

Growing up as an Air Force brat, Lucky and his sisters, Jackie and Delores, were able to travel the world, experiencing two tours in the Philippines, before ultimately returning to Panama City where he graduated from Rutherford High School in 1973. At Rutherford, Lucky excelled at academics while also being active in extracurriculars. He was Captain of his debate team, leading the team to second place in the state tournament, and he was ultimately named one of the top ten speakers in Western Florida. Throughout his years in high school, he also spent time working for various restaurants and newspaper companies, swearing upon graduation he would never do so again.

After high school, Lucky followed his best friend Rick Jenkins to the University of Florida where he met the love of his life, Kathy Ramsey. Lucky and Kathy married in 1976 and had three children (Adam, Amanda, and Matt) who adored their father. They remained married until the time of his death 42 years later. Shortly after his marriage Lucky began a career working in various restaurant and newspaper companies which would continue for the majority of his life.

Throughout his life, Lucky enjoyed yearly vacations with his family to the Gulf of Mexico, an annual tradition that formed some of the happiest childhood memories for his kids. He valued family, always making them his priority in life. He coached his children in soccer, softball, and basketball, leading his oldest son to the state championship in soccer on the same day as his younger son’s birth. Lucky was a devoted father and husband, tough when needed but always kind, caring, and compassionate. He was a counselor, a friend, a story teller, and the greatest father they could ask for.

Lucky had a wide and varied career, initially spending time in the newspaper industry before going to work for Rick’s father at McDonald’s. Mr. Jenkins then made Lucky the first ever employee hired for Mr. J’s Steakhouse, which at its height had eight restaurants throughout the southeast. In 1989, Lucky moved with his family to Wetumpka, Alabama after purchasing his own Mr. J’s Franchise. Shortly thereafter, he formed his own independent company, founding Lucky’s Family Restaurant with his wife Kathy which was a mainstay of the city until it’s closure in 1997.

Afterward, Lucky spent the rest of the 90s and early 2000s as a District Manager and Dock Supervisor for the Montgomery Advertiser where he was known to be one of the most reliable and respected employees in the company.

Shortly after his time with the Advertiser, Lucky moved with Kathy and Matt to Tallahassee to take up a managerial position at Barnhill’s Restaurant, which he held until its closing. Lucky then spent the remainder of his life as a manager for Circle K convenience stores in Tallahassee where he was known to his customers for his friendly smile and disposition.

Through the years, the constant in Lucky’s life was his beloved Kathy. In their 42 years of marriage, they faced every challenge that life could throw at them, and they faced these challenges together. Lucky never missed an opportunity to show his love and appreciation for her whenever possible. Even if he never quite matched her wizardry at gift giving, he never stopped looking for the perfect way to tell her he loved her and appreciated every moment with her, even going so far as writing her a song and having it recorded by a local artist.

Lucky was preceded in death by his mother Edna, father Jack, step-mother Margie, and niece Anne. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy; children Adam (Jennie) Watson, Amanda (Arnaldo) Mercado, and Matthew Watson; sisters Jackie and Delores; and grandchildren Rowan, Jordan, Trey, and Jacob. Lucky will also be lovingly remembered by his numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, and dear friends. A memorial service for family and friends will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 28th, at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home on Timberlane Road. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Epilepsy Foundation at https://donate.epilepsy.com/donate.