2nd Timothy 4:7: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith.”
L.B. “Ben” Watson Sr., 85, of Elizabethton, went home to be with his Lord, Friday, July 4, 2014, near his garden.
He was born February 18, 1929 in Watauga County, N.C., to the late Talmadge and Sarah “Babe” Rominger Watson.
Ben was a graduate of Cove Creek High School, Sugar Grove, N.C., and Steed College of Technology. Ben served in the United States Army from 1946 to 1948 during the occupation of Germany. He moved from Watauga County in 1949 to Tennessee. He owned and operated Watson Trout Farms for over 30 years. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church, Elizabethton.
Ben loved the Lord and his church, working in his garden, working on his old Chrysler cars and spending time with his granddaughter, Loren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Lee Watson.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Violet Tester Watson; a son, Ben Watson and wife Lori and granddaughter Loren of Elizabethton; a sister, Ruby Matheson and husband Dana, Sugar Grove, N.C.; and a brother, Dale Watson and wife Christine of Lexington, N.C. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Watson was conducted at 7 p.m. Monday, July 7, at Memorial Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Travis Tyler officiating. Music was provided by the Grace Baptist Church Choir. The graveside service and interment will be at noon Tuesday, July 8, in the Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery, Sugar Grove, N.C. Active pallbearers will be the deacons of Grace Baptist Church. Honorary pallbearers will be his church family and friends. The family would like to express a special “Thank You” to Tyler Hyder, the Carter County Sheriff’s Department, the Hampton-Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Department and the Carter County Rescue Squad. The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Friends may also visit with the family at the residence. To those who prefer, memorials may be made in memory of Ben to Hale Community Ministries, 1301 Arney Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643 or Grace Baptist Church, 1114 Broad Street Ext., Elizabethton, TN 37643. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday to go to the cemetery. Condolences may be e-mailed to mfc@chartertn.net.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Watson family.