Arthur Hugh "Coach" Watson

Arthur Hugh "Coach" Watson, 84, of Bean Station, TN passed away on August 14, 2025. He was born and raised in Sweetwater and graduated from Sweetwater High School. Hugh lived a life dedicated to faith, family and the game of basketball. He loved fishing, hunting and most of all, time with his family. Hugh went on to attend Hiwassee College in Madisonville, TN, received his bachelor's degree from Lee University in Cleveland, TN and then obtained his master's degree from Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, Tennessee. His love for basketball and mentoring young athletes led him to an extraordinary coaching career. He served as coach with Loudon High School, Hiwassee College, the University of Idaho, North Idaho College and Lincoln Memorial University. He earned multiple Coach of the Year honors and mentored countless players who remained dear to him throughout his life. Hugh was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Hiwassee College and North Idaho College. Hugh is preceded in death by his parents, P.L. (Babe) and Oldia Watson; sister Mary Millsaps. Hugh is survived by his beloved wife, Anna Sue Watson; his children, Leigh Ann (Mike) Zeller, Gabriel (Fabiana) Watson and Ty Watson; grandchildren Tyler (Staley) Watson, Shelby Watson, Amberlee and Ashlyn Zeller, Asher Watson; great-grandchildren Peyton Spurgeon, Graisyn Lee Watson; brothers Pryor (Janet) Watson, Robert (Rosemary) Watson; sister Carol (Keith) Sachs. The family will receive friends on Monday August 18, 2025, in the chapel of Kyker Funeral Home, Sweetwater from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM. Funeral services will immediately follow at 7:00PM with Rev Brian Courtney officiating. Interment will be on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Cedar Valley Baptist Church Cemetery at 11:00 AM. Pallbearers will be Ray Grant, Bill Marcus, Steve Millsaps, Tyler Watson, Asher Watson and Rusty Henry. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity or cause of your choice. Hugh's legacy will live on in the countless lives he inspired, on and off the court. Kyker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Watson Family.