Deacon James Willie Watson Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Deacon James Willie Watson of Salley, South Carolina, born in Lexington, South Carolina, who passed away on May 14, 2026, at the age of 76, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends can send flowers and condolences in memory of the loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Deacon James Willie Watson to pay them a last tribute.
He was predeceased by: his fathers, George Willie Watson and Ralph Etta Stewart; and his siblings, Olin Watson, Bettye Cancer, Barbara Watson and Ethel Watson.
He is survived by: his wife Betty Garvin Watson; his children, Fred Watson of Lexington, SC, Antonio Cannon of Ridge Spring, SC, Lenora Watson and Carla Watson of Lexington, SC; his children-in-law, Alice Cannon of Leesville, SC and Stephen L. Sutton of Columbia, SC; his stepdaughters, Dr. Lenora Garvin Covington (Lonnie) of Moore, SC and Dr. Brittany Garvin Hudson (Christian) of Indianapolis, IN; his siblings, Tommy Watson (Frances) of Batesburg-Leesville, SC, Russell Watson of Lexington, SC, James E. Watson of Prosperity, SC, Joe Watson (Phyllis) of Lexington, SC, Annie Caughman of Lexington, SC, Judy Lewis of Augusta, GA, Yvonne Humphrey of Batesburg, SC and Shelby Clark (David) of Batesburg, SC; and his siblings-in-law, Evonne Watson, Amanda Rawlinson of Columbia, SC, Willette Booker of Springfield, SC, Annie Isaac (McKinley) of Springfield, SC, Thelma Anderson of Springfield, SC, David Mincy of Blackville, SC, Joe Mincy and Larry Mincy (Ladebra) of Salley, SC. He is also survived by eighteen grandchildren along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving relatives and friends.
Viewing will be held on Monday, May 18th 2026 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Barr-Price Funeral Home Batesburg-Leesville Chapel (256 Main St, Leesville, SC 29070). A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 19th 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Samaria Missionary Baptist Church (706 Springfield Rd, Blackville, SC 29817). A burial will be held on Tuesday, May 19th 2026 at the St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery (337 Devils Backbone Rd, Leesville, SC 29070).
