Gary was an extraordinary man who left an always positive imprint on whomever he met. A friendly open person, Gary could talk to anyone, and when he did it was always with genuine interest, humor, and kindness. This is what so many in his life have remembered most about him.
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Gary was born in Amarillo, Texas on December 22, 1939 . He was raised in Amarillo where he attended Catholic schools.Schools afforded him a healthy fear of strict nuns as well as a close group of friends in Amarillo that he kept until his passing. Gary attended Price College ( an all boys Catholic High School) which had dances with the all girl Catholic school St. Mary’s. This is where he met his wife Barbara . They dated ,broke up, and reconnected a few years later to finally marry.
Before marriage though, Gary enlisted in the US Navy. The Navy was his most loved experience. He served on the aircraft carrier The Bonhomme Richard in the Pacific Fleet outside of Japan. He was a First Class Petty Officer and after an honorable discharge he went on to serve almost 50 years in the US Naval Reserves . Gary treasured his time in the Navy, these memories remained clear for him when all others faded. We are certain he is in his beloved uniform now, breathing salty air, looking out on the sea & its endless horizon, smiling.
Gary’s father was a railroad man , and he followed suit. Working for BNSF for almost 50 years, he stayed in the Panhandle working between Amarillo, Lubbock, and Plainview Texas. He and Barbara had 3 daughters, Angela, Julie , and Christie. He did not have hobbies that he spent time on , instead he liked to tend to the yard with endless mowing & take drives around the neighborhoods. Gary would always take along his daughters when possible. He would take them to Wonderland in Amarillo or the Zoo at Thompson Park. Gary also spent time caring for his mother Maude until her passing and also did the same for his mother in law Martha. He even continued to volunteer at his mother’s nursing home after she passed helping the residents do projects & just to spend time with them. . Gary was a caring empathetic soul who would always do for others who were in need.
Gary LOVED to dance . He , no doubt, two stepped his way into Heaven’s Gates.
George Strait, Hank Williams, and Southern Rock(Lynard Skynard)were his favorites. Music was like a switch that instantly gave him joy.We danced ALOT. Blessed with amazing rhythm , Gary always had a line of women waiting to be his next dance partner.
Although Alzheimer’s took its toll, Gary was loved by ALL of the staff and other residents where he lived for the last 5 years of his life. He was kind, polite, helpful, happy, sweet, loving, caring, and always grateful to anyone who crossed his path. His presence will be missed, his laugh will be missed, and his smile will be missed.
Survived by his three children, Angela (Jerry) Craig of Bloomingdale,MI;Julia Watson of Amarillo , Tx; Christina (Dwight) Jones of Dallas, TX; Three grandchildren, Nick (Bekah) Williams of Arlington, TX; Jenay Craig of Gobles, MI; and BJ Taylor of Amarillo, TX; three great grandchildren, MacKenzie, Knox and Luke Williams of Arlington, TX.
He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Watson, father Luther Watson and mother Maude Watson and a sister Sarah De Cou.
Honoring his wishes there will be a private US Navy at sea burial with his wife Barbara Watson in Honolulu Hawaii.
A private online video service link will be shared with friends and family at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, Dallas & Northeast Texas Chapter.
Gary William Watson Obituary