William (Jack) Jackson Watson Jr

Mr. Watson is survived by Regina King of Georgiana and his brother Jerry Watson of McLean, VA his wife Judy Zeigler Watson, and many nephews, nieces and cousins. Jack was preceded in death by his brother Colonel James Robert Watson of Montgomery who died in 2008.

He grew up in Georgiana and nearby Montgomery, the son of William J. Watson and Georgia Katherine Mixon. He was the grandson of Dr. Robert Hunter Watson and Myra Irene Cook of Georgiana and George William Mixon and Mary Serena Page of Garland.

Jack served his Country first with the US Navy, then the US Air Force before becoming a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he served with distinction for three tours with the US Army Special Forces earning several medals and citations including the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Combat Infantry and Paratrooper Badges. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Special Forces never left him, as friends and family will attest.

After serving 20 years in the service of our Country, he retired and joined the Montgomery County Sheriffs Department for 16 years as a Deputy Sheriff. Following retirement from the Sheriff's Department Jack acquired an ocean going sail boat and spent five years in the West Indies. As a teenager he became a licensed Ham Radio Operator which was critical in an ocean rescue after his boat became disabled in an Atlantic storm. Upon returning to the USA he traded his sail boat for an Airstream trailer and began seeing the USA before finally retiring to Hank Williams Road near Georgiana where he raised horses, dogs and managed a 500 acre Long Leaf Pine plantation operation while developing many close friendships.

During his eventful lifetime in addition to the sail boat and Airstream Jack took time to own three airplanes, two motorcycles and four Corvettes.

Visitation will be at 2PM this Saturday followed by the Celebration of Life Service at 3PM at Pleasant Hill Church, 2845 Nixon Road, Georgiana al 36456 with Johnson Funeral Home directing arrangements. Burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers: Freddie McCall, Brewton, Al, Mark Thompson, Prattville, Al, Dr. Benjamin, Montgomery, Al, Troy Casey, Georgiana, Al, John Newell, Birmingham, Al, Christopher Jones, Tuscaloosa, Al, Jamey Watson, Hartselle, Al, Henry L. Gilmore, Georgiana, Al.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in memory of Jack Watson to Samaritans Purse or any Veterans organization.