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Billy Watson Obituary
Jackson - Billy Lee Watson, 77, died Sunday morning October 6, 2019 at Northbrooke Health Care and Rehab Center, Inc.
He is survived by his wife Donna; two sons, Jeff Watson and special friend Maggie Yelverton, and Jason Watson and wife Melissa.
SERVICES: Funeral services will be held Friday October 11, 2019 at 2:00PM in the chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors. Burial will follow in Browns Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 4:00PM until 6:00PM.
The family has requested in lieu of flowers, direct memorial contributions be directed to Union University Music Department, 1050 Union University Drive, Jackson, TN 38305.
For a more complete obituary go to website www.arringtonfuneralgroup.com or Facebook/Arrington Funerals Directors.
Memories and Condolences
for Billy Watson
Sponsored by Arrington Funeral Directors and Crematory - Jackson.
4 Entries
David Ryan
October 10, 2019
Bill Watson was a trail blazer in music education and one who shared his vision with others. In an effort to help his students excel, Bill always looked for that special something to share; either an idea, a concept or the latest trend, and at the same time he managed to firmly plant the traditional musical values in the minds of those who entered his classroom.
I first heard Bill Watson's Jackson Central Merry High School Concert Band at the West Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association in 1978 at Wooddale High School. It was obvious with the size of the group and the quality of the performance that Bill's inspiration as a musician brought us the most impressive band at the Festival that year.
Most knew of Bill's saxophone playing but Bill's clarinet playing was superb and his knowledge of the nuances of musical performance were profound. Bill often spoke of one of his mentors, Frederick Lubrani, the virtuoso clarinetist.
Bill provided a framework for hard work and the love of music throughout his long career. It is with great sadness that I say goodbye to Bill Watson. He loved his family and he loved his music.
Jessie Mayfield
October 8, 2019
My heart just aches. This is indeed a great loss. Mr. Watson, one of the finest educators/musicians I've ever known. He expected hard work. He expected excellence. I wish I had one more opportunity just to tell him "thank you." He loved his band. I still remember when he announced his retirement he could barely get the words out through the tears. Some of my fondest memories of high school are marching competitions and Mr. Watson ending rehearsal with the corniest of jokes. He will surely be missed.
Jessie (Holmes) Mayfield NSHS Band 2000-2004
Alyce Petty
October 8, 2019
The Petty family wants to say we are truly sorry for the loss of your love one! We have known Mr. Watson and family for many years. We were part of the Northside Band family back in the late 80s through the 90s. Enjoyed the many football games and band competitions through though years.
There are so many great memories! Thank you Mr. Watson for those great memories!
Diana Demetski
October 8, 2019
Mr Watson was an amazing man. I know because I was lucky to have him as my band director at JC-M from '83-'85.
I did not realize the exhausting hours that I would be putting in, with my bandmates, to learn sheets of music, marching, then doing both at the same time in creating an awesome field show. Next was practicing these field shows after school and at football games to prepare for many competitions. We then took it to the streets for parades and also concerts. Lastly, other competitions on an individual basis.
How did we possibly accomplish this you ask? Easy...we had Mr Watson leading us the entire way! And, let's not forget his wonderful wife, Mrs Donna Watson, who was there every step of the way.
I can not possibly explain the impression Mr Watson made on my life but I thank him for bringing my love of music to the forefront. I also thank him for being a mentor and a friend.
God has called you home so it is your time to rest; you have received your wings.
To the Watson family, thank you! Thank you for coming into my life and sharing him with the JC-M Band family. I will be forever grateful. And, I would be willing to do it all again - One Mo Time!
Prayers for peace and strength. Sent with love.
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Memorial Events
for Billy Watson
Oct
11
Funeral service
2:00 p.m.
Arrington Funeral Directors and Crematory - Jackson148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305
Funeral services provided by:
Arrington Funeral Directors and Crematory - Jackson148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305
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