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Mr. Barry Dean Watson was born March 2, 1942 in Jacksonville, Florida, the youngest child of William Watson and Dorothy Davis Watson. He was educated in the local schools, graduating with the first class of Northwestern Junior – Senior High School in 1960. Mr. Watson’s classmates elected him Senior Class President, National Honor Society President, Most Likely to Succeed, yearbook editor, and basketball team captain.Mr. Watson’s academic talent attracted the attention of Harvard University. Harvard offered him a full scholarship, a rare honor for African Americans. But Mr. Watson declined this offer, believing that Harvard would not suit his personality. Instead, he chose to become a Morehouse Man. This led to an even rarer honor. He was one of the few students in the Social Philosophy course taught by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as adjunct professor, the only time Dr. King taught at his alma mater. Mr. Watson graduated from Morehouse College in 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a minor in Political Science.Mr. Watson served two years in the United States Army as a military policeman, earning the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and Marksman (Rifle). After his military service Mr. Watson returned to Jacksonville, becoming the city’s first African American department head for Montgomery Ward. Later he accepted a position with Florida Publishing Company as circulation manager for the Jacksonville Journal, the afternoon newspaper. Once the Journal ceased production, Mr. Watson became circulation manager for FPC’s main newspaper, The Florida Times-Union. He retired after three decades of service.In 1970 Mr. Watson married Brenda Fletcher, and this union was blessed with a son. Mr. Watson married Naomi Joyce Johnson in 1982, a union blessed with a daughter.Mr. Watson was raised as a Christian, but explored several different faiths until joining the Church of Christ in 1983. He embraced his faith as passionately as his intellectual curiosity, including ministry to the homebound until his health declined. He was a member of Chaffee Road Church of Christ at the time of his passing. Known for his pragmatism, strong opinions, and dedicated work ethic, Mr. Watson enjoyed reading, writing, cooking, and long conversations. He loved beautiful landscapes, proudly maintaining his five- time award-winning yard. Guided by his faith, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.On December 4, 2025, Barry Watson slipped from this life into God’s loving embrace. He was predeceased by his parents, William Watson and Dorothy Watson Brown and his brothers, Dr. William E. Watson and Kenneth Watson. Mr. Watson’s legacy is cherished by his wife of 43 years, Mrs. Naomi Joyce Watson; son Barry Watson, II; daughter Melissa Watson Ruetty (Adam); grandchildren Naomi Ruetty and Colton Ruetty; sisters Rachel Waters and Terri Brown Neal, all of Jacksonville, Florida; sister-in-law Harriet Watson, Las Vegas, Nevada; a number of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends touched by his wisdom and love.

MR. BARRY WATSON

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