GREGG C. "SONNY" WATSON JR.

1927 - 2020

SNOW SHOE - Gregg C. "Sonny" Watson, Jr. went to be with the Lord on his 93rd birthday, Dec. 18, 2020.

Born on Dec. 18, 1927, in Moshannon, he was the son of the late Gregg C. Watson, Sr. and Elizabeth M. (Lucas) Watson.

On Oct. 2, 1948, in Lewistown, he married his high school sweetheart, Pearl B. Kovach, who survives at home.

Gregg was a 1945 graduate of Cooper High School. He was member of the Snow Shoe Presbyterian Church, where he was an active member and church treasurer for over 35 years.

Gregg joined the United States Navy on Aug. 7, 1945 and earned the rank of Seaman First Class before his honorable discharge on Aug. 22, 1946. He received the Victory Medal for his service during WWII.

Gregg worked as a dragline operator for Trimpey and Rougeux, then at Cerro Copper and Brass Co, and then as a rural letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, where he retired after 24 years of service. He also held the position of Snow Shoe Township Tax Collector from 1961-1965.

Gregg was a great baseball player. He played for the New Orleans Repair Baseball Team during his tour of duty. He played as a pitcher and right fielder. He played and coached for many teams locally throughout the years. He was a member of the Victor Pifer's Bellefonte Banjo Band from 1939-1941. He was an avid Penn State Football fan. You could say he bled blue. His favorite saying before every game was "Go Blue. He also enjoyed watching the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Gregg was an excellent golfer. He was proud of his "hole in one" made in 1986. He was an active member of the Philipsburg Country Club, which is now the Philipsburg Elks Club, for over 60 years. He was also a member of the Mosquito Creek Sportsmen's Association, life member of the Snow Shoe Vol. Fire Company, a member of the Snow Shoe VFW Post 5644, and a member of the Clarence American Legion Post 813. He was a member and past president of the Askey Cemetery Association for many years.

Gregg had a strong work ethic. He was proud that he built his home and took great pride in his lawn. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Gregg is survived by his wife, Pearl; one son, Randall G. Watson of Shawville; one daughter, Cheryl A. Viehdorfer and her husband Randy of Moshannon; four grandchildren, Cristi Viehdorfer Crestani and her husband James, LeAnn Viehdorfer Repasky and her husband Gary, Ryan Watson, and Amanda Watson. He is also survived by four great grandchildren, Kayla and Jake Crestani and Raelee and Lauren Repasky.

Along with his parents, Gregg was preceded in death by one brother, Earnest W. Watson.

Due to the current pandemic, all services will be private.

Gregg will be laid to rest with full military honors at the Askey Cemetery in Snow Shoe Twp.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Snow Shoe Askey Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 38, Snow Shoe, PA 16874; or to the Winburne Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 51, Lanse, PA 16849.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, 106 W. Sycamore St., Snow Shoe.

An online guest book can be signed or condolences to the family available at www.daughenbaughfuneralhome.com.