‘Pap’ Watson

LILBURN – Billy D. “Pap” Watson, died Thursday, March 18, 2010.
Born on July 27, 1935, in Franklin County, he was the son of Mildred Tucker Watson of Commerce and Charles Oscar Watson. He was a graduate of Commerce High School and served in Korea while in the United States Army. After leaving the Army, he spent 42 years working in the transportation industry – retiring from Yellow Freight Systems in 2000.

Billy’s first love were wife, family, home and country. He also enjoyed gardening, carpentry, traveling, listening to gospel and bluegrass music and riding his motorcycle. He was known for his strong character, great sense of humor and deep appreciation of God’s creation and creatures. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors in addition to his mother include his devoted wife of 49 years, Carolyn Holman Watson, Lilburn; daughters and sons-in-law, Bambi and Ken Kendrick, Kennesaw, Stacey and Daryl Sosebee, Alpharetta; grandson, Harris Kendrick and his wife, Erin, Minneapolis, Minn.; granddaughter, Meredith Kendrick Elliker and her husband, Kevin, Danville, Va.; brother and sister-in-law, Edwin G. and Elaine Watson, Commerce; sisters and brothers-in-law, Gail Watson and Pete Allen, Carol Watson and Jimmy Drake, all of Danielsville; brothers-in-law, Ray and Carroll Holman, Big Canoe, Timothy and Carol Holman, Grayson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; and a host of friends.

A service celebrating his life will be held Monday, March 22, at 2 p.m., at the First Baptist Church of Commerce with the Revs. Ron Holman and Carlton Allen officiating. Burial will be Tuesday, March 23, at 2:30 p.m. at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, gifts of gratitude and remembrance may be made to the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Foundation, 1236 Ginger Crescent, Virginia Beach, VA 23453, or the American Cancer Society, 6500 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Suite 260, Duluth, GA 30097.

Tom M. Wages Funeral Home, Snellville, is in charge of arrangements.