Roy D. Watson, Sr.

Roy D. Watson, Sr. passed from this life on Wednesday, October 31 after a two year battle with cancer. Roy resided in Millview, New Jersey from birth until he answered the call to military service in the National Guard and later the United States Navy in December of 1951. Roy served in the Korean War receiving a National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and a Navy Occupation Service Medal. His first port of call was Pensacola, Ellyson Field, where he met the love of his life, Violet Tiny Gipson, at a church service. The two were married two years later. Roy served aboard U.S. Ships: Prichett, Basilone and Weekly. Moving from New Jersey, Roy returned to Pensacola in 1959 where he and Tiny raised their three children. A dedicated family man, Roy led by example and loved his family above all else. After retirement, Roy served as a volunteer at Hospice, Neighborhood Watch in Myrtle Grove (where he rode his bicycle on his watch) and various other charitable programs. All who knew Roy can bear witness to his wonderful sense of humor. He was a practical joker and loved a good prank! Roy called himself Aloysius Kadiddlehopper. Never to be outdone, he was a master of one-up-manship. Roy was truly a child at heart and visited Walt Disney World eighty-three times. He became an honorary Mouseketeer for life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Watson and Anna Mae Watson; siblings, Romaine, Albert, Bobby and Mariam. He is survived by Tiny, his wife of fifty-nine years; daughter, Theresa Messick (Jimmy); sons, Roy Jr. (Angel), and Ronnie Sr. (Veronica); grandchildren, Rob, Chrissy, Roy III, Jennifer, Rhonda, Renee’, Chad, Tasha, Karen, Ronnie Jr., Ryan, Reanna and sixteen great-grandchildren with three on the way. Grandsons to serve as active pallbearers, Rob, Roy III, Chad, Ronnie Jr., Ryan, Chad R., and Jeff. Honorary pallbearers, Preston Watson, Charles Mimms, David Lawton, David Adams, David Karasek and Rocky Winans. Visitation will be on Monday, November 5, from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South. Funeral Services will be on Tuesday, November 6 at 2:00pm at the Spoken Word Church, 9600 North Palafox with Reverend Ray Barrow, Jr. officiating. Burial to follow at Clear Springs Cemetery in Robertsdale, AL. The family wished to express their heartfelt thanks to Covenant Hospice of Pensacola. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH is in charge of arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs. Service: Funeral Services will be at Spoken Word Church, 9600 North Palafox.

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Roy D. Watson, Sr.

October 3, 1934 - October 31, 2012