William Edward (Eddy) Watson



William Edward (Eddy) Watson

William Edward (Eddy) Watson passed away peacefully at the Carillon New River Medical Center in Christiansburg, Virginia on July 1, 2017 after a 21 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. A native of the Shiloh Community of Rutherford County, Eddy had resided at Heritage Hall in Rich Creek, VA since August 2015, when he relocated to be near his beloved niece and her family.

A member of the Shiloh Baptist Church, Rutherfordton, Eddy was a strong Christian who was quick to remind us that God would not give him more than he could handle. He was a loving, caring, bright soul who brought joy and love to all who were fortunate to be a part of his life.

After moving to Virginia, Eddy was able to enjoy being surrounded by the beautiful New River, the magnificent mountains of Southwest Virginia and attending every ballet performance of his precious Ellie Mae.

The son of William Wallace Watson and Lena Mae Toms Watson, Eddy was born on June 12, 1950. He grew up helping in the family store in Shiloh. He graduated from Chase High School (Class of 68) and Gardner Webb University (Class of 1972) and did graduate studies at Appalachian State University. He was a life long Democrat who loved his country and was concerned about the current climate of our nation. He was our family historian. Eddy was employed as a Program Director with the NC Department of Correction for over 20 years until Multiple Sclerosis forced his retirement in 1996.

Survivors include his sister, Wanda Watson; his niece and nephew, Kara and Josh Clemons; and the brightest star in his life, his beloved great niece, Ellena Mae, all of Pembroke, VA. Also surviving are his aunt and uncle, Doris and Wilber Hardin of Forest City, Uncle Floyd Watson of Gaffney, SC, numerous cousins, and a multitude of friends.

As he was a giving person in life, Eddy wished to continue that legacy through his death. He had willed his body for medical research at Wake Forest Medical University. Unfortunately, MS took such a toil on his body, it was not accepted.

A Celebration of Life, as dictated by Eddy's wishes, will be held at a later date in Rutherford County, with the family being assisted by the Padgett and King Mortuary in Forest City.

In lieu of Memorials, the family requests that you remember Eddy by being kind to one another.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge.