John Eugene Watson, age 97 of Waynesville, NC, passed away November 18, 2021 in Clyde, NC. Mr. Watson was born May 3, 1924 in Montevallo, AL to the late John Eugene Watson Sr. and the late Grace Watson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Bailey. John was a member of the Rotary Club and a Mediator for the St. Johns County Court. He was also the Chairman of the St. Johns County Industrial Management Authority and started the Flagler College Scholarship Fund in St. Augustine, FL. He loved to travel and visited forty five foreign countries during his life. He pursued many interests including performing as an amateur magician, being a sail plane pilot, and participating in and winning competitive races in Florida and Georgia.
Survivors include: daughter, Bess Crider; son, John Watson; daughter, Martha (Anthony) Barkdoll; grandchildren, Grant Crider, Kirby Crider, Caroline Crider, Benjamin Barkdoll, Pace Barkdoll, and Ella Barkdoll; and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services: Sunday, November 21, 2021 at 2:30 pm at the St. Luke's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Victor Morgan officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.