Charles Watson

1935 - 2026

Charlie Watson

Tupelo-Charles Alton Watson, Sr., known to locals and worldwide as Charlie, departed this realm on Sunday, March 8, 2026 from Sanctuary Hospice House where he had resided since November 11, 2025. Charlie lived to the great age of 90 years, 7 months and 15 days. His legendary life was characterized by his steely intellect, his work ethic, his amazing humility, his warm, inviting benevolence towards others and his devoted love to his family and the greater family of Elvis fans across the Globe. His contributions to the legacy of Elvis Presley are vast and expansive. His name was a sacred household word to former and aspiring Elvis Tribute artists who frequented his infamous Silver Moon Club in Tupelo and schmoozed with the ever encouraging and personable Charlie. Charlie might be dubbed as the Best Ambassador for Tupelo in its history. He loved his chosen town, promoted it world- wide and was never ashamed to recognize the countless positive energy Tupelo is known for. He especially took pride in talking about our most famous native son, Elvis. He was born in Willow, Arkansas on August 23, l935 to the late Kennith and Ruby Mae Stallings Watson. He spent his growing up years there in the Newport, Malvern area and graduated from New Port High School. Charlie married Margaret Neil "Peggy" Gardner in l961. He was employed by his father in law, Woody Gardner in the Ice Distribution industry. The Company, ultimately named Gardner-Watson, Inc. became one of the leading distributors of Ice in the Mid-south. Ultimately, Charlie and Peggy purchased the Company from her father operating it for several decades. An astute businessman, Charlie grew the company exponentially. Charlie served several years in the Arkansas National Guard and was federalized during Central High School Crisis in Little Rock. A great American patriot, Charlie was a role model for so many young people in his life. He keenly meshed being a Business owner with being a civic leader. He served as President of the Jaycees of Tupelo and was named Outstanding Jaycee of Mississippi, brought 4 Miss America's to Tupelo for the Miss Tupelo pageant and was an ardent member of the Tupelo Elvis Presley Fan Club. Some of Charlie's other contributions include helping build the Girl Scout Hut, sponsoring little league baseball and football games, serving as first President of Tupelo Schools String Program. Aside from loving his wife, Peggy and children, Charles, II (deceased), Woody and Kathy and their children, he loved holding forth at the Silver Moon Club where he gave and received much joy and fulfillment. He and Peggy attended Calvary Baptist Church for many years.

A Service celebrating his life will take place at 2 PM Wednesday, March 11, 2026 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with Tom Brown and Steve Holland speaking. Various Elvis Tribute artists will provide music. Charlie will be laid to rest at Tupelo Memorial Park on Joyner St. Visitation will be from 4 PM-7 PM on today (Tue. 3/10/2026) and from Noon-service time on Wednesday. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/live-streaming.

Charlie leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Peggy Gardner Watson; his son, Woody Watson (Trice Webb), daughter, Kathy Watson Brashears; the grandchildren, Mallori McBryde (Michael) of Saltillo, Trey Brashears (Katie) of Searcy, AR., Meg Brashears of Oxford, Woody Watson (Caroline) of Starkville, Kaylie Watson of Tupelo; his great grands, Lucas and Landon McBryde and Dovie and Bambi Brashears; a half sister, Betty Pope , the special ladies from Guatemala and his extended Stewart-Bain family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kennith and Ruby Mae Watson, his brother, Jack Watson, sister, Joy Fay Watson, half sister, Shirley Homan and special friend, DJ Fontaine.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Trey and Woody, special friends, Roger Byrd, Michael McBryde, Clay Stewart and Kent Randle. Honorary Pallbearers will be Larry Michaels and Mitch Massey. The family wishes to express gratitude to Sanctuary Hospice House for their wonderful care of Charlie and requests that donations be made to Sanctuary Hospice House, P. O. Box 2177, Tupelo, MS. 38801. Condolences may be posted to Charlie's memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Obits.

Holland Funeral Directors is honored to be serving their special friends.