Mr. Thomas Earl Watson passed away on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin, GA.

Mr. Watson was born in Laurens County February 14, 1942. He was preceded in death by his loving mother and stepfather, Opal and W.O. Minton Jr., and grandparents, Chancey Benjamin and Bessie D. Franks.

He graduated from Dublin High School and was on the football team that won the first State Championship for the Dublin Fighting Irish. He served four years in the United States Marine Corps. Mr. Watson worked at J.P. Stevens for 18 ½ years and retired from Southeast Paper after 20 years.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years Linda Graham Watson, of East Dublin; daughter, Angie Stone, of East Dublin; son, Richie Watson, of Rockledge; six grandchildren, Jeremy Stone (Anna), Jessica Stone Sanders (Michael), Haley, Hannah, Will and Noah Watson and great grandson, Wilson Stone.

The family will receive friends from 5:00PM until 7:00PM on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at Townsend Brothers Funeral Home.

Graveside services for Mr. Watson will be held at 2:00PM on Friday at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Rockledge.

Pallbearers will be David Franks, Kenny Franks, Ronnie Stone, Jeremy Stone, Will Watson, Randy Graham, Michael Sanders, and Dustin Owens.