William Edward Watson, Sr.

William Edward Watson born to Roosevelt Watson Sr. and Elsie Mae Hardy-Watson in San Mateo, Florida on April 22, 1948. He was raised in San Mateo, Florida. William accepted Christ at an early age and attended Second Mt. Tabor Baptist Church. He was educated in the Putnam County School District. He graduated from Central Academy High School in 1966. He was section leader of the percussion section in the band. During his time at Central Academy High School, He met the love of his life, and High School Sweetheart, Christine Ruth. On March 25, 1967, in Palatka, Florida, he married the love of his life, Christine Ruth-Watson.

After working at Georgia Pacific in Palatka, Florida, He relocated to Jacksonville, Florda in 1967. William worked for J. C. Penney’s as Credit Manager, he later worked as an accountant at Interstate Distributors, Inc. He retired from EverBank Operations Department with over 20 years of service.

William affectionately known to his family and friends as “Chank, Bubba, Bill, and Red Streaker (CB Handler)”. During his younger years, he loved traveling with family, organizing family events, and being a member of LaVilla Sportsman Club. He was known for his devoted services to God and served in the church for many years. He served as a Trustee at St. Matthew Baptist Church, and King Solomon United Baptist Church. He was an ordained Deacon at God’s Love of Faith Assembly. Until his health declined, he was a faithful member of King Solomon United Baptist Church.

William went home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 11, 2026. He was, preceded in death by his parents, Roosevelt Watson, Sr. and Elsie Mae Hardy-Watson; father-in-law, Theodore Ruth, Sr. and mother-in-law, Leola Smith-Ruth; and one brother, Ernest Watson, Sr.

William leaves to cherish his memories, his loving, devoted, caring, and dedicated wife, Christine Ruth-Watson, affectionately called “Sugar”; children, William E. Watson, Jr. (Lisa), Springfield, GA, La’Vangela Haynes, and Jarvis Jacques Watson; grandchildren, Ashlee Collins, William E. Watson, III, Joseph Hines (Tatyana), Destiny Haynes, and Malachi Watson; one great-grandchild, Peyton Hines; godchildren, Chanell Parker and Adawna “Key Key” Brown; siblings:, brothers, Charles Woodward, Sr. (Gussie) and Roosevelt Watson, Jr.; one sister, Phylestine Watson-Gilyard (his twin); sisters-in-law, Gloria Benton, Virginia Jolly (Wilford), Sharon Hunter (John), and Glenda Watson; brothers-in-law, T.R. Ruth,, Jr. (Ethel Leana), Preston Ruth, IV(Brenda), Antonio Ruth (Carol), and Sheldon Ruth (Shawanna); special nieces, Angela Gilyard-Brown and La’Tangela Gilyard; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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