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Ralph William Watson aka: Pop, of Roan Mountain, Tenn., traveled to The Kingdom of God on Thursday, November 3, 2022, while at the Johnson City Medical Center following a brief illness. The Love of his life, best friend and wife, Patsy Ruth Johnson Watson, that arrived at The Kingdom in 2016, was there to greet him. Since Patsy’s passing, Ralph looked forward to meeting her again so they could spend Eternity together. Ralph was a friend to everyone he met, he had a love and compassion for all children that passed through his life. He never knew his mother because he lost her when he was around two years old which added to his care and love for children. He was a member of the Roan Mountain United Methodist Church since 1955, he was a dedicated church member and had a close relationship with God.
Ralph graduated from Cranberry High School and was a stellar athlete playing basketball and football. After graduation he stayed in close contact with his school friends. Ralph joined the Navy in 1951, served in the Korean War on the Naval Aircraft Carrier the USS Tarawa and was fortunate enough to do a World Tour. He received an Honorable Discharge with the following medals: Good Conduct Medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal (Europe), China Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and The United Nations Service Medal. When he was discharged from the Navy he Married Patsy Ruth Johnson on November 18, 1955 at the Roan Mountain United Methodist Church and they made their home in Roan Mountain, Tenn. Ralph had a love for Dale Earnhardt, The Washington Commanders (Redskins) and was a die hard North Carolina Tarheel fan.
Ralph worked for the Tennessee Department of Transportation as a Supervisor for East Tennessee and retired from there after accomplishing 30+ years of service. After retirement he became a Carter
County Commissioner and held the office for five terms and served on the Carter County Planning
Board for six terms and several other Boards for the County. Ralph was also a member of the Roan
Mountain Masonic Lodge, the VFW and the American Legion. Ralph was born in Spear, N.C., on May 15, 1932 to the late Samuel Avery Watson and Maude Snyder Watson.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-mother, Ruth Aldridge Watson; three brothers, Carroll, Thomas J. and Sam Watson Jr.; four sisters, Bernice Vance, Clarice Wiseman, Betty Hise and Linda McClellan.
Left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Pam Watson Braswell of Roan Mountain, Tenn.; grandson, Justyn Markland and wife Jessica Barnett Markland of Elizabethton, Tenn.; two great-grandchildren, Arya and Ezra Markland of Elizabethton, Tenn.; three sisters, Ruby Vaughan, Pineola, N.C., Beaulah (Bootsie) Young, Minneapolis, N.C., and Faye Hughes of Linville, N.C.; a special nephew that was like a son and a best friend, Brad Johnson, Elk Park, N.C.; a step-grandson, Chad Braswell of Newland, N.C.; special friends, Steve and Suzanne Galyon (Ralph loved Suzanne like a daughter and she loved him like a father) of Roan Mountain, Tenn.; Ralph held a love for Josh King of Newland, N.C., and Olympia, Wash. (Josh was like a grandson to him). Also, special friend, Chris Schuettler, Director of Carter County Planning and Zoning and fellow member of the military. Ralph had numerous nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. The family would like to thank Pastor Steve Castle and the members of Roan Mountain United Church for the love and care during this time of transition and for his 90th Birthday Party, one of the highlights of his life.
A military service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be sent to Roan Mountain United Methodist Church, 307 Johnson Street, Roan Mountain, TN 37687.
Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, TN 37604 (423-610-7171), is honored to serve the Watson family.