Joe Watson, Sr.

Joe C. Watson, Sr., 64, of Mauldin, SC, passed away Friday, May 16, 2014 at Spartanburg Regional Restoration Care. Born June 13, 1949 in Spartanburg, SC, he was the son of the late Joe Freeman and Vivian Carroll Waddell Watson. Mr. Watson was a teacher and coach at J. L. Mann High School in Greenville, SC. He was a graduate of Boiling Springs High School, received his Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of South Carolina, and his Masters from the U.S. Sports Academy. He was a member of Eastlan Baptist Church and was a deacon. He was a USC letterman, member of National Interscholastic Athletic Administration Association and South Carolina Athletic Administration Association, served various roles in South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association, former President of SC Football Coaches Association, North/South All Star Game Coach, named 2007 Assistant coach of the year, and selected to coach in the 2014 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas game. Surviving is his wife, Lucinda Gates Watson, of 41 years; son, Joe Watson, Jr. (Janet) of Lancaster, SC; daughter, Julie W. Sullivan (Chris) of Easley, SC; grandchildren, Mitchell Watson, Jacob Sullivan, Kelsey Watson, and Sam Watson. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 PM Sunday, May 18, 2014 at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29307. Funeral Service will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, May 19, 2014 at Eastlan Baptist Church, 625 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC 29607, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Benjamin Littlejohn and Eulogist Coach Shell Dula. Entombment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum Complex, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307. Honorary escort will be past and present football players of Coach Watson. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Eastlan Baptist Church, 625 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC 29607 or J. L. Mann Athletic Department, 160 Fairforest Way, Greenville, SC 29607. The family is at the home. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joe C. Watson, Sr. please visit our Sympathy Store.