William C. Watson

WILLIAM CHARLES WATSON
5 January 1960 – 1 September 2022
William Charles Watson was born in Evergreen, Alabama on January 5th, 1960, to the parents of Quessie Rudolph-Watson and Charlie James Watson. He retained his rightful heavenly wings on Thursday, 1 September 2022. He was the great grandson of two prosperous Alabama families – the Rudolphs and Watsons of Conecuh County, Alabama who were able to buy hundreds of acres of land during the early 1900s and retain most of their land until today.
Jim Crow laws and his mother's early divorce caused Charles and his family to relocate to Perth Amboy, New Jersey when he was 2 years old in 1962 at which time, he became part of his mother's newly married Perry family. Charles was educated K through 12th grade in the Perth Amboy, New Jersey School system minus one year that he spent in Wilmington, Delaware during his early elementary school years.
Charles and his family were products of public housing: Stockton Street and Delaney Homes until his mother was able to purchase the family's first beautiful home in 1987 in Willingboro, New Jersey. His mother insisted that Charles and his siblings graduate high school and demanded church attendance. His family joined Second Baptist Church, Perth Amboy, New Jersey which later became Cathedral International of Perth Amboy, NJ. Drugs, alcohol and smoking was not allowed in his home. His family attended church throughout his entire life, but unfortunately, like too many young people, he was introduced to drugs and alcohol as an early teenager by those who he thought liked, and or loved him. A trap was set for him in his early years.
In spite of this Charles loved life and wanted to succeed in life. He had a kind word for everyone; he loved to smile, and he loved to have fun. He loved to make people laugh and he himself loved a good hearty laugh. This would often get him in trouble, especially in school. His mother was constantly called to school for his behavior. Since childhood, Charles was a fun individual that tried to enjoy every aspect of his life. He joined the military in September 1979 and was honorably discharged in September 1982.
Because of his church affiliation and his faith, he continued to fellowship with God during his three-year military tour of duty. Charles accepted Jesus Christ as his own personal Savior while in the military. He absolutely loved his God. He was NEVER ashamed to witness to other people about his Lord and Savior. He would continue to witness the word of God to anyone that would hear him until his untimely death. Charles considered his relationship with God his most treasured gift. He was a proud witness and servant, but his addiction would follow him throughout his life.
Charles would marry twice. His first wife Claudette was an upstairs neighbor from Stockton Street and the sister of his elementary school buddy. Claudette's family left Perth Amboy following her stepfather's military career. Charles and Claudette would meet up again during Charles's military tour of duty at Fort Hood, Texas where Claudette's stepfather was once stationed. Charles and Claudette married in Texas. Charles was soon after sent to Germany on military orders for almost three years at which time, Claudette would move back to Perth Amboy, New Jersey while Charles served his three years in Germany. Tragedy would later strike causing Charles to lose his first wife Claudette.
Charles would later marry his second wife Cheryl. Born to the union of his second wife was his first son, Khamar Watson. He would later have five additional children with Jacqueline Baker for a total of six biological kids, three boys and three girls. Charles and his family happily accepted two of Jacqueline's additional kids: Joshua Baker and Tony Baker. Charles passed his faith in God to his children. In spite of his weaknesses, he preached faith to them constantly. He would leave them with the legacy of Jesus Christ which they happily picked up and they continue to carry that torch. He loved his children and grandchildren.
God would allow his second wife Cheryl to be taken from this world at an early age prompting his son's grandparents to petition for custody of his son Khamar. Distressed, confused and misguided, Charles's life spiraled out of control. His mother suggested that he try living with his biological father who was in Up State New York during the 80s. Charles lived with his dad for a while, but his life was in too much turmoil for the two of them to remain together.
Charles returned to Perth Amboy, New Jersey where he would continue to train and work at different careers. Since he was a cook in the military, he obtained his best NJ state position as a cook with one of the Veteran's homes joining his three younger siblings who retired from NJ State jobs. He would continue his education gaining certificates of completion in various fields, but his best job was driving trucks on long hauls. Charles loved driving. Driving allowed him to feel free and in charge. He loved visiting and experiencing the beauty of other states. He wanted to continue to drive but a hip injury would keep him away from trucking as he neared the end of his life. As he neared the end, Charles would eventually end up back with the Veteran's Administration (VA) for various medical issues. The VA had approved him for assistance for an apartment in August. Charles was supposed to move into his new apartment on 1 September 2022, the day that he died.
The family wanted to tell Charles's story because his story is one of faith and conviction. In spite of Charles's weaknesses and addiction, he never gave up. He just kept trying and trying and trying. People talked and put him down, but he kept proclaiming the God in his life until his death. So, the family is comforted knowing that in spite of his addiction, he did more to proclaim the word of God then those who are so privileged to sit in the church pews Sunday after Sunday but never mentioning the God in their lives. So, with this knowledge, the family says, WELL DONE!!!! Well Done, Charles. The family suffered with you, it was a struggle for all of us, but having you in our lives allowed us to know and see for ourselves the power of God. We now know that God dwells even in broken vessels. None are perfect, No, NOT ONE.
Any success that was shared by his siblings was largely because of Charles. Charles's brothers and sisters pushed hard to be successful, all retiring from their first and primary jobs in their early 50s with his sister Gloria being the first African American female from Perth Amboy, New Jersey to reach the rank of 06 (full Colonel) in the Army in 2006 and eventually being inducted into her University ROTC Hall of Fame. The Perry siblings retired from the State of New Jersey in their early 50s, and his brother Terry was blessed to receive his 20-year NJ National Guard retirement letter in his 40s. Charles loved to testify of the goodness of the Lord. In his darkest hour, he was never lost for words when it came to proclaiming the goodness of his Lord. He loved testimony services. He would often create his own testimony services, he ALWAYS found something to be thankful for. In the midst of his suffering, for him, it was always, "Thank You, Sweet Jesus."
In this world, Charles leaves to mourn, but also to celebrate his life on this earth, his mother, Qussie Perry of Townsend, Delaware. His two brothers, Terry Rudolph (Juanita) of Willingboro, New Jersey and Ervin Perry (Jeanette) of Perth Amboy, New Jersey; three sisters, Gloria Rudolph of Townsend, Delaware, Dorothy Perry (Dan) of Indianapolis, Indiana and Jacqueline Perry of Middletown, Delaware; his three biological sons Khamar, William Jr., Jonathan, three daughters, Camilla, Cheona and Amelia; two accepted sons, Joshua Baker and Tony Baker, twenty three grandkids; one niece, Darlena Pate, one nephew, Terrance Rudolph and a host of cousins and acquaintances. TO GOD BE THE GLORY.