Samuel "Joe" Watson Jr.

Sam “Joe” Watson Jr., 73, of North Vernon, passed away at 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Willow Crossing in Columbus.

Born December 4, 1950, in Sanford, Florida, he was the son of the late Sam Joe Watson Sr and Ida (Spivey) Watson. He married Diane Green on October 18, 1973, in Sanford, Florida; she survives.

Joe was a 1969 graduate of Seminole High School in Sanford, Florida. He worked as a prison guard in Angola, Louisiana, a life-long farmer, and life-long Pastor’s spouse in Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi. Joe and his wife Diane owned and operated Watson Garbage Service and Watson Produce Service in Sanford, Florida. He was a member of the North Vernon Church of the Nazarene. Joe enjoyed farming, fishing, and hunting.

Surviving with his wife, Diane; are his son, Sam Joe Watson III of Chicago, Illinois; his daughter, Lisa (Caleb) Reynolds of North Vernon; brother, Paul (Diane) Watson of Sanford, Florida; and grandchildren, Anna Reynolds and Marina Reynolds, both of North Vernon.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Larry and Terry Watson; and sister, Helen Williams.

A private graveside service for Joe will be held in the Vernon Cemetery in Vernon with Rev. Caleb Reynolds officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at the First Church of the Nazarene in North Vernon.

Memorials may be made through the funeral home in honor of Joe to the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries.

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