Hillary Lee Watson Sr., age 85, passed away July 15, 2019. He was born February 28, 1934 in Jay, Florida, raised in Chumuckla, Florida and resided in Fleming Island. His interests were fishing, woodworking, air-laying fruit trees and gardening. His greatest love was for God, country and family. He was passionate about helping other veterans and anyone he thought was being treated unfairly.
Mr. Watson is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Norma, sons; Joey Watson (Robyn) and David Watson (Patti), daughter; Karen Davis (Terry); 5 grandchildren; Brandon Watson, Lee Watson (Lindsey), Karol Ann Wisdom (Chris), Devon Watson (Amanda) and Keith Watson (Jessica), 4 great grandchildren; Kaylin, Lilly, John Luke and Hunter, Sisters; Jean Williams of Alaska, Gwen Willis of Milton, Florida, Jewel Riddlebaugh (Wayne) of Pace, Florida, Louise Tima-an of Pensacola, Florida and Cathy Udell of Baldwin Florida. Preceded in death by 3 brothers; Gerald, Horace and Curtis.
Hillary is a Marine combat veteran of the Korean and Vietnam (2 tours) Wars, where he earned several medals, and accommodations. As a child, he learned to farm and raise horses which attributed to his strong work ethic and natural survival ability. As a teenager, he developed an interest in joining the military to serve his country where he thrived until his retirement as a Gunnery Sargent in 1971. His attention to detail, dedication and bravery led him to serve 20 years with distinction. He continued to serve in a Civil Service capacity for 19 years at NADEP/NARF. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Marines never left him, as friends and family will attest. As a man of God, Hillary was actively attending and loved by his Christian family at Starke Christian Church in Starke, Florida.
A visitation will be held 6-8 PM Friday, July 19, 2019 and funeral service will be 2 PM Saturday, July 20, 2019 at HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEADE FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd, Orange Park, Florida 32073 Interment will follow at Holly Hill Memorial Park, 3601 Old Jennings Road Middleburg, Florida 32068. Please visit www.hollyhillfunerals.com to leave words of comfort.
