Ronald Bowen Watson

1935 - 2022

WATSON, Ronald Bowen, 86, of Hopewell, Va., passed away Tuesday, January 25, 2022. Born on April 12, 1935 in Hopewell, where "Ronnie" met and married his childhood sweetheart, Viola. He was predeceased by his loving parents, Lenny Harvey Watson and Hazel Bowen Watson; and son-in-law, Nathan Lee. He was a multi-skilled craftsman, retiring from Allied Chemical after 30-plus years as a millwright. He was also a USCG Licensed Tug Boat Captain and owner of James River Towing Company. A 60-year member of Hopewell Optimist Club, he served in nearly every club office up to and including President. He enjoyed the club events to support area youth including the annual Bar-B-Q and Brunswick stew fundraisers and always looked forward to working the Optimist Christmas Tree Lot. He loved the outdoors, hunting, camping and fishing, especially at Cape Hatteras. His favorite activity however was spending time with his family including four children, 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, as well as with his many friends. He was a member of First United Methodist Church for 76 years. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Viola Hall Watson; children, Rhonda Lee, Vicki Garnett (Larry), Michael Watson (Amy) and Wendy Hunter (Charles); grandchildren, Nicole Lee, Mallory diStefano, Ryan Dunn, Jessica Farrell, Matthew Dunn, Cody Watson, Adam Watson, Taylor Watson, Allyson Wells, Roy Hunter II; great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Piper Mae, Mary Lib, Liam and Kai; sister-in-law, Margerie Green; cousins, Bowen Connelly (Marsha) and Craig Connelly (Linda). Referred to as "The Man of Steel" by his grandchildren, he was best known as a caring and hard-working family man. The family wishes to acknowledge the loving care that Ronnie and his family received at Southside Regional Hospital in the ICU and through their Hospice services. Friends and family are invited to pay respects at 10 a.m. Friday, January 28, at First United Methodist Church in Hopewell followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. Masks are respectfully requested. Interment will follow in Merchants Hope Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hopewell Optimist Club at 1310 Lynchburg St., Hopewell, Va. 23860 or First United Methodist Church at P.O. Box 636, Hopewell, Va. 23860. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/FUMCHopewellVa/. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com.