SMsgt. USAF Ret. Walker Bryan Watson

SMSGT. USAF Ret., Walker Bryan Watson, 82, of Rocky Point, NC, died Thursday, December 27, 2007, at Pender Memorial Hospital, Burgaw, NC. He was born in Wilmington, NC, November 24, 1925, son of the late Gus Vance Watson and Lula Bell Ross Watson. Surviving is his wife of fifty-six years, Sonja Georke Watson, “the greatest woman in the world, a beautiful woman in his eyes”; two children, Bryan Watson of Bath, ME, and Ron Watson of Rocky Point, NC; three grandchildren of whom he loved and was very proud, Marie Watson of Wilmington, Buddy Watson of Rocky Point, and Tom Cobb-Watson of Portland, ME; a sister, Virginia Watson Clover of Wilmington; and several nieces and nephews. Siblings preceding him in death were, Matt Watson, Glenn Watson, Corbett Watson, Grover Watson, Woodrow Watson, Clara McDonald, Flora Edwards, Josephine Carter, and Grace Bland. Mr. Watson was a thirty-three year veteran of the United States Air Force having served honorably in WW II, Korea, and Vietnam. He received numerous awards including the Distinguished Service Medal, and was twice wounded in combat. He was a Past Grand of Cape Fear Lodge #2 Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and Past Grand Patriarch of the Grand Encampment of North Carolina. Mr. Watson was a member of both branches of the order since 1975. He had been a Youth Coach for softball and football in Hawaii and Burgaw and was a boxer in the military and a Golden Glove Boxing Champion. Mr. Watson was a loyal supporter of John T. Hoggard High School Softball and was a member of Grace Baptist Church. Mr. Watson loved his family and country and had the utmost respect for veterans. The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to his wonderful neighbors for the kindness, care, concern, and assistance shared with them and Mr. Watson during their time of need. Also thanks is extended to New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Pender Memorial Hospital for their special care as well. A graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 5, 2008, at Greenlawn Memorial Park by the Rev. Doug Lukens. Military Honors will be accorded by the United States Air Force. Following the service the family will receive friends at the residence of Ronald Watson in Rocky Point. Contact family for directions. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, 4601 Park Avenue, Wilmington, NC, 28403.