Demerritt Eugene Watson

1946 - 2025

Demerritt "Dee" Eugene Watson, 79, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away peacefully after a long illness on Saturday, December 6, 2025, in Savannah.

Dee was born in Danville, Georgia, on May 30, 1946, and was the son of the late Virgil and Helen Watson. He was raised in Warner Robins, Georgia. An avid athlete as a child, he graduated from Warner Robins High School in 1964. He furthered his education by attending Middle Georgia College before graduating from Georgia Southern University in 1968 with a degree in Business. It was at Georgia Southern that he met the love of his life, Sally Nelson.

Dee dedicated four years of service to his country in the United States Air Force, serving as a Staff Sergeant stationed at RAF Alconbury, England, from 1968 to 1972. It was during his military service that he earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA). Dee and Sally were married on August 16, 1975, at Grace Methodist Church in Savannah, GA.

Following his honorable discharge, Dee felt a strong calling to education. He continued his studies, obtaining a Master's degree in Elementary Education, and later a Master's in Educational Leadership, dedicating 28 years to teaching and inspiring students in the Georgia Public Schools. He taught at Tucker Elementary in Houston County and Garrison and Juliette Low Elementary schools in Chatham County. Following his retirement in 1999, Dee continued his commitment to education as an instructor for the GED program in Savannah for several years.

Dee was a man of fierce faith and a passionate defender of his love for Jesus Christ. He was a dedicated Deacon at two churches and served faithfully in various roles, including working with youth, couples, young adults, and senior adults. He was a warm and welcoming face as a head usher and greeter at every church he was affiliated with, and also served on the visitation team, making house calls to new attendees and believers. He had a passion for mentoring young men and faithfully served in the Tres Dias Community.

He enjoyed all sports, but spent many years playing and teaching tennis and golf.

Above all, Dee was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Sally Nelson Watson of Savannah, GA. Dee was a loving father to his two daughters: Joyce Watson Lane (Josh) of Cleveland, TN, and Julie Watson Johnson (Justin) of Tampa, FL. He was the cherished "Baba" to his four grandchildren: Madison Lane, Judah Johnson, Dawson Lane, and Asher Johnson.

Dee is also survived by his siblings, Virginia Watson Thompson (Johnnie) of Sparta, GA, and Dennis Watson of Warner Robins, GA, as well as his brother-in-law, Artie Nelson of Savannah, GA. He leaves behind several nieces, a nephew, and godsons whom he dearly loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Helen Watson, and his brother, Larry Watson.

Dee's unwavering faith, his dedication to education and service to his country, and his loving commitment to his family will be deeply missed.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 10, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Baker McCullough Funeral Home, 7415 Hodgson Memorial Dr, Savannah, GA 31406.

On Thursday, December 11, a Final Viewing will be held at 1:00 PM at Port City Church, 401 Tibet Ave, Savannah, GA 31406.

The Funeral Service will immediately follow the viewing, beginning at 2:00 PM, also at Port City Church.

Interment will immediately follow the service at Hillcrest Abbey East.

Remembrances may be given in Dee Watson's Memory to Port City Church.