Abraham Green "Abe" Watson

1935 - 2019

Abraham Green Watson, (Abe), 84, passed away on Friday April 26, 2019 surrounded by his family. He was a long time resident of Miramar Beach, Florida.
Abe was born on February 11, 1935 in Lincoln, Alabama to Willie D. Green and Robert Watson. He grew up in Lincoln and graduated from Howard (Samford University) in Birmingham where he played on the basketball team. He completed his education at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Abe served as a Baptist minister for 25 years. He pastored his first church when he was 15 years old in Pell City Alabama. He pastored several churches in north Alabama, Kentucky and Indiana. He was called to First Baptist Church of Brewton, Alabama in 1966 where he served as pastor for 9 years. He was an early leader for the equal rights of women, and all races and religions.
In 1976 he accepted the position as Director of a 5-county mental health center in Alabama where he served for 3 years. He then moved to Destin, Florida where he began his career in Real Estate. He and his wife, Linda, started their own real estate company in 1984 where he worked until he retired.
Abe loved spending time with family and friends. He was a world traveler and taught his family the love of travel. He loved to run and was out for his run every day. He ran many races, including 3 marathons. He enjoyed working out at the gym and sitting on the beach for sunset. He was a lover of the arts and music and would travel far for a good performance. He became very active with Northwest Florida Ballet and served eagerly as a board member, sponsor, fundraiser to build the studio and a faithful patron of their performances. Abe was a gentleman in every respect of the word. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Linda, of Miramar Beach; his daughter, Alicelyn Watson Hudson (Ames); sons, Jack Wellborn (Angela), James Wellborn (Renee), John Wellborn; Grandchildren, Ashlee Wellborn Scarpulla (Paul), Emily Wellborn Napier, (Dustin), Caroline Hudson, Ashton Wellborn, Jack Wellborn III (Nicole), Josephine Wellborn, Ellie Scott, Andy Hudson (Gerri), and Audrey Garris; great grandchildren, JP and Lily Scarpulla, Banks Napier, Alex and Annabeth Garris, and Noah, Lia, Charly, and Pierce Hudson. He was predeceased by his son, William David Watson in 1979.
The memorial service will be Saturday May 4, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. at Christ the King Episcopal Church in Santa Rosa Beach with Fr. Richard Proctor officiating. A reception will follow.
In Lieu of flowers his family suggests donations be made to Abe's favorite nonprofit, Northwest Florida Ballet, 310 Perry Avenue, Fort Walton Beach, Fl. 32548. Heartfelt gratitude to those who helped care for Abe, Vitas Hospice, Emerald Coast Hospice and especially Maria LaToya, Kathy and Iris.

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