Sanders Watson, Jr.

Sanders Watson, Jr., transitioned to be with the Lord on Monday, January 27, 2025 at the age of 92, after a short illness. Sanders was born the second of nine children in the Watson family. He was born August 13, 1932, in Warren County, North Carolina, to the late Sanders Watson, Sr. and Tinnie Williams Watson. He was educated in the Franklin County School System, graduating from Perry High School. Sanders was a member of Sarepta Baptist Church and was a faithful member prior to leaving North Carolina. After leaving North Carolina he settled in Portsmouth, Virginia where met and married the late Esther Moore Watson and was married for sixty-six years before her passing. He was employed with the Virginia Department of Transportation, retiring after 35 years of public service. After retirement he went to work for Didlake, Incorporated for eight years. Sanders was affectionately known as “Doc” and “The Sharp Dresser” by friends and family in Carolina. In Virginia he was known as “PeeWee”, “Watson”, “Hat Man”, and “Old Man” by those who knew him best. He truly lived his life on his terms no matter what. He loved life and his family, especially his grandchildren. Sanders joined St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a faithful member for over 30 years. He loved his church family and was a member of the Tribe of Naphtali and served on the Male Usher Ministry for over 20 years. He very seldom missed a day of serving the people of God and served until his health started to fail. His nickname “Hat Man”, was given to him by his former pastor, Bishop Curtis Edmonds, Sr., and has stuck with him all of these years inside and outside of the church. He was an avid Commanders fan and always enjoyed game day banter with his family who are Commanders and Cowboy fans. That was the highlight for him when he could brag on his Commanders. He enjoyed watching those old shows on television which included The Andy Griffith Show to the Westerns. Every day he was seen catching up on one of these oldies but goodies on television. Along with his parents and wife, Sanders was predeceased by three brothers: Phil Williams, Albert Lee Watson, and Richard Watson; two sisters: Maggie Doswell and Bertha Williams and one grandchild: Angela Watson. Sanders is survived by six sons: Melvin Watson (Gloria) of Upper Marlboro, MD, Reginald Watson (Leeann) of Holiday, FL, Andre Watson (Rosa) of Suffolk, VA, Allen Watson (Mary) of Chesapeake, VA, Ricky Watson of Newport News, VA, and Ronald Watson (Sheila) of Chesterfield, VA ; three daughters: Diana Davis (Alvin) of Portsmouth, VA, Bonnie Wells (Jason) of Dumfries, VA, Lisa Watkins (Michael) of Woodbridge, VA; seventeen grandchildren: Nateace, Melvin, Jr., Joshalynn, Reginald Jr., Kelvin, Melissa, Marquita, Tonja, Alicia, Martina, Rishawn, Ryan, Martasia, Akia, Jason, Jr., Bianca, and Michael, Jr.; fifteen great grandchildren; two sisters: Elizabeth Ansari, and Irene Fourqurean (Leroy); one brother Thomas Watson (Vivian); brother in law: Isaac Williams and sisters in law: Geraldine Watson and Annie Cherry. Also left to cherish his memory are a host of nieces, nephews, and others he met along the way whom he considered a friend. Those he met at church were more like his family than they could ever know.

Sanders Watson, Jr.

August 13, 1932 - January 27, 2025