Elbert Hassell Watson, Jr.

Mr. Elbert Hassell Watson, Jr., age 70, of Mount Airy, passed away Tuesday, December 11, 2018.  Mr. Watson was born in Surry County on March 27, 1948, to the late Elbert H. Watson, Sr. and Belvin Pansy Watson Booth.  While proudly serving our country in the United States Army, during the Vietnam War, he was awarded the Purple Heart and medal of Excellent Marksmanship.  He was the co-owner/operator of Watson Metals Company.  Mr. Watson was a loving husband, father, and wonderful “Papa” and was well-known for his generosity to anyone in need and was always willing to lend a helping hand.  His memory will be forever cherished in the hearts of his devoted wife of fifty years, Nancy Simmons Watson; his daughter and son-in-law, Julie and Chris Cooke; his son and daughter-in-law, Adam and Jennifer Watson; his precious grandchildren that he so dearly loved, August Cooke, Caleb Cooke, Juliana Cooke, Willow Watson, and Canaan Watson; a sister and brother-in-law, Louise and O’Neal Watkins; brothers and a sister-in-law, Ricky Watson and Benny and Kathy Watson; nieces, Sandra Johnson and husband, Gray, and Amy Trivette and husband Kent; nephews, Allan Watson, Allen Sawyers and wife Beth, and Mike Gwyn; aunts, Peggy Fowler and Betty Chilton; sisters-in-law, Frankie Simmons and Lynda Sawyers; brothers-in-law, Eddie Simmons and wife Cathy and James Simmons; dear friends, Linda and Jr. Draughn, Piney Grove Semi-Young Sunday School Class, wonderful neighbors and many dear friends.  The family will receive friends Friday night from 6:00 to 8:00 at Piney Grove Baptist Church.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday, December 15, 2018, with the Rev. Mark Reece officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors by VFW Memorial Honor Guard, Pilot Mtn. Post 9436 & Mt. Airy Post 2019.  Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Foothills Food Pantry at 223 Cooper St., Dobson, NC 27017.