Roy H. “Sonny” Watson, Jr.

Warner Robins – Roy H. “Sonny” Watson, Jr., 85, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

Sonny was born on April 20, 1938, in Macon, Georgia, and grew up in Wellston, now known as Warner Robins. He attended Warner Robins High School and went on to graduate high school from Georgia Military College in 1954, where he also earned an associate’s degree before attending Mercer University. Sonny’s career achievements were unparalleled. He humbly began his career at an Amoco filling station for a year prior to his 17-year tenure as Clerk and Administrator for Houston County, Georgia. From there, Sonny ran for the House of Representatives in 1974 and served 22 distinguished years in the Georgia Legislature. His contributions to the Appropriations Committee, Rules Committee, and Chairmanship of the House Industry Committee showcased his dedication to making a positive difference in middle Georgia. Sonny went on to work for McNeal Agency prior to leading Watson Insurance, served as President of CB&T Bank, and served with the Middle Georgia Community Action Agency. From 2005-2008, he served on the Houston County Hospital Authority and from 2008-2022, as Chairman of Houston County Healthcare System, Inc., dedicating 18 years of his life to leading Houston Healthcare through expansions, innovations, and improvements that enriched both the institution and the community. Sonny resigned in 2023, at which point he became Chairman Emeritus.

Beyond his professional achievements, Sonny was deeply involved in civic organizations, serving on the Board of Directors for the Museum of Aviation, and receiving the prestigious Charlie L. Jones Memorial Award for superior community service in 2013. He also served as a Shriner and was a long time faithful and active member of The Well, serving there in several leadership positions.

Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, R. Herman Watson, Sr., and Maude H. Watson.

His memory will forever be treasured by his loving wife of 67 years, Jeanne P. Watson of Warner Robins; daughter, Cindy Rearden (Neal) of Kathleen; grandchildren, Jennifer Rearden-Spence (Lane) of Kathleen, and Joseph Rearden (Brittany) of Powder Springs; great-grandchildren, Chase Watson Spence, Jackson Lane Spence, Hunter Gabriel Spence, Avery Elizabeth Spence, Beckett Richmond Spence, Luke Watson Rearden, Cade Johnson Rearden, and Allie Grace Rearden; sister, Anne Burgess (Chuck) of Warner Robins; and cousins, Dr. Cecil Whitaker and Burt Bozeman.

Visitation was Thursday, January 11, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service was held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 12, 2024, at The Well. Afterward, Sonny was laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be given in memory of Roy H. “Sonny” Watson, Jr. to The Well at 600 N. Houston Lake Blvd, Centerville, GA 31028.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.

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