Roy B. "Papa" Watson

Mr. Roy B. "Papa" Watson, age 88, of Rockmart, GA passed away Saturday, August 31, 2024.

Roy was born in Rockmart, GA on November 7, 1935 a son of  Wiley B. Watson and Ruby Fowler Watson. After his parents moved to Wilmington, North Carolina for work Roy was raised in Rockmart by his grandparents E.W. and Hesta Watson.  He was a graduate of Rockmart High School, class of 1954 and was a member of the Church of Christ.  Roy was married in 1957 to the former Carolyn Suddeth and they made their home in Powder Springs for many years where they raised their family.  After Carolyns death in 1999 Roy made his way back to Polk County where he has lived since 2001.  

Roy worked as a crane operator for American Erectors for 58 years and was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 926.  He had also worked for Lockheed Aircraft Corporation.  Roy was a proud veteran of the United States Air National Guard  having served at Dobbins Air Force Base from 1953 until 1959 and in the reserve from 1959 until 1961.  He would later serve with the 129th Air National Guard from 1980 until 1986.  He was a member of Rockmart Lodge # 97 F. & A.M. and a member of the William G. England Daylight Lodge # 747 where he had served as Worshipful Master.  His Masonic Lodge membership had been over 50 years.

In addition to his parents and grandparents Roy was preceded in death by his first wife Carolyn and a brother Donald.

Survivors include his wife Cheryl Palmer Watson to whom he has shared the past 24 years: three daughters: Cathy (Jerry) Thomas, Donna (Tim) Schue and Myra (Chuck) Draffkorn;eight grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 2:00 pm in the chapel of the Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home with Aaron Ownbey officiating. Interment will follow in the Bellview Baptist Church Cemetery with Brown-Wright Post #12 American Legion Honor Guard in charge of military graveside rites.

Pallbearers will include: Elijah Shore, Oliver Shore, Alex Marshall, Colby Kerns, Joe Marshall and  Nathan Draffkorn.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorial gifts be made to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-031 in Roys memory.

Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Roy B. "Papa" Watson.