Thomas Gerald Watson

Thomas (Tom) Gerald Watson was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He passed away suddenly on July 12, 2021 at age 86. Tom was born to Gerald T. and Annette Watson on March 8, 1935 in Meadville, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Ironton High School in 1952, he spent two years at University of Dayton. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1956, where he achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer and dedicated 20 years of his life in service to the United States while serving at numerous Naval bases, including Naval Air Station Millington in Memphis, Tennessee, Naval Air Station Argentia, Newfoundland, CAN, Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado, California, Naval Air Station Glynnco in Brunswick, Georgia, and Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. He met his wife Judy while stationed in Memphis in 1960 and remained a devoted and loving husband for 60 years. After retiring from the Navy in 1976, Tom obtained a Bachelor of Science in Sports/Leisure/Recreation from the University of West Florida in 1979 and a Masters in Management from Troy State University in 1985. He subsequently worked as an assistant recreation director in Avon Park, Florida in 1978 and 1979, as an industrial management specialist at Naval Aviation Depot from 1979 to 1993, and as a substitute teacher at Catholic High School from 1998 to 2008. Tom was an avid golfer and spread his love of the game to his wife, Judy. He had a powerful and beautiful singing voice and sang for the Pensacola Choral Society from 1997 to 2017 and for numerous church choirs throughout his life. He was a longtime softball and baseball umpire and basketball referee and, when his children were young and involved in Pensacola’s swimming culture, a dedicated swim meet director, referee, and starter. He was an avid weightlifter and enjoyed fitness exercises. He was a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Pensacola, Florida Tom is survived by his wife of 60 years, Judith A. Watson, his children Gerald A. Watson of Spanish Fort, AL and Eileen M. Josselyn of Golden, CO, his grandchildren Anna K. Gerrish of Orlando, FL, Brandon L. Josselyn of Golden, CO, and Juliet M. Josselyn of Golden, CO, his great grandson Lincoln Gerrish, of Orlando, FL, his sister Nancy E. Tomondi of Ironton, OH, and numerous nieces and nephews. Tom was a gregarious, warm, and thoughtful man who made friends easily and kept them throughout his life. A visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, July 20, 2021 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Faith Chapel South, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, Florida 32505. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at 9:30 A.M. at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 5200 Saufley Field Rd, Pensacola, Florida 32526, followed by interment at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola, 11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, is entrusted with arrangements. You may express condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.

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Thomas Gerald Watson

March 8, 1935 - July 12, 2021