Search by Name

Search by Name

Eugene Autry "Gene" Watson

1939 - 2022

Eugene Autry "Gene" Watson obituary, 1939-2022, Reidsville, NC

BORN

1939

DIED

2022

FUNERAL HOME

Wilkerson Funeral Home and Crematory - Reidsville

1909 Richardson Drive

Reidsville, North Carolina

Eugene Watson Obituary

Watson, Eugene "Gene" Autry

March 31, 1939 - February 20, 2022

Heaven gained a loving and hardworking angel on February 20, 2022.

Eugene Autry Watson ("Papa") was born on March 31, 1939, in Webster County, Georgia. He served as a weapons mechanic in the Air Force and married Annette Watson in 1961. This past October, they celebrated 60 years of marriage. Together they raised five kids and, later in life, chased after eight grandkids and ten great-grandchildren in Reidsville, North Carolina. Gene was due to meet his first great-great-grandchild (5 generations) in a few months.

Gene was a cherished member of the Reidsville community. Many people knew him as the gregarious manager at Freeway Builder's Supply and an electrician with Carter Lock and Security. On Sundays and Wednesdays, Gene and his wife regularly attended services at Lawsonville Road Baptist Church. In the evenings, he enjoyed watching his sons play softball at Jaycee Park and relaxing on the porch. He always kept Jolly Ranchers and Life Saver candies in his shirt's front pocket and a Diet Coke in his hand. He enjoyed working on cars and fixing things around the house. Most of all, he enjoyed being with family and watching children playing in the yard.

Papa exemplified loyalty, perseverance, and family devotion beyond humanistic standards. Not through grandiose gestures, but by heartfelt deeds personally tailored and delivered at just the right time. Whether it was words of encouragement or fixing a broken swing, he knew exactly what was needed to make life a little bit better. Furthermore, Papa fought for his family through every medical condition, setback, and loss. He knew how to make things "just right" the right way. And when he couldn't, he set the example for tolerance, coping and acceptance. Beset with Addison's disease (a rare adrenal disorder), Papa fought to keep life a wonderful experience. His will to live was fierce. He was our hero. And through the grace of God, he passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, at the age of 82.

Gene is survived by his wife Annette Watson; sons Randy Elrod, Terry Elrod, and Jeffrey Watson (Wendy); daughters, Vickie King (Tim) and Cheryl Bird (Daniel); grandchildren, Michael Elrod (Melissa), Crystal Robinson (Chris), Kirk Smithey, Cagney Elrod, Dr. Ashlée Miller, Michael Watson (Jennifer Watson) and Justin Watson (Kristin); and great-grandchildren, Austin Elrod, Brady Elrod, Owen Robertson, Carson Robertson, Rhett Watson, Seniah Harding, Isaiah Word, Maddix Harding, Jackson Griffin, and Ava Griffin. He is preceded in death by his mother, Mattie Watson, and grandson, Chuck Smithey.

The family will receive visitors at Wilkerson Funeral Home on Thursday, February 24, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. A full graveside service with military honors will begin at 3 p.m. on Friday, February 25, at Reidlawn Cemetery with Dr. Ron Tuck officiating.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilkersonfuneral.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Greensboro News & Record on Feb. 23, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Watson

Sponsored by Wilkerson Funeral Home and Crematory - Reidsville.

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in Eugene Watson's name

Memorial Events
for Eugene Watson

Feb

24

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Wilkerson Funeral Home and Crematory - Reidsville

1909 Richardson Drive, Reidsville, NC 27320

Feb

25

Graveside service

3:00 p.m.

Reidlawn Cemetery

NC

Funeral services provided by:

Wilkerson Funeral Home and Crematory - Reidsville

1909 Richardson Drive, Reidsville, NC 27320

How to support Eugene's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Eugene Watson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more