Thomas A. Watson

Thomas Anderson Watson, a devoted Army veteran and former co-owner of Marion Davis Incorporated, passed away peacefully at his home in Pickens on May 27, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on September 26, 1933, in the 3 & 20 area of upper Anderson County, he was the cherished son of the late Henry Franklin Watson, Sr. and Velma Lesley Watson. Thomas was predeceased by his beloved wife, Barbara Reeves Watson, his stepdaughter, Natasha Reeves, whom he adored, his brother Henry Franklin Watson Jr., and his cousins, who were raised as brothers, Ronnie and Gary Adams.

Thomas graduated from Easley High School in 1951 and attended Clemson College, where he was an expert marksman in ROTC rifle competitions across the Southeast. He served in the US Army for two years of active duty in Tokyo, Japan, followed by 33 years in the Army Reserves, retiring as a Sergeant Major. A committed Mason and Shriner, Thomas was a lifetime member of the Mountain Springs Masonic Lodge #302, the Hejaz Shrine, and the Pickens Shrine Club. He dedicated over 32 years fulfilling his civic duty on the Bethlehem Roanoke Rural Water District Board of Directors.

He leaves behind his cousin who was raised as his brother, Jack A. Adams (Kathy); his sister in-law, Johnnie Marie Watson; nephews Thomas Steuart Watson, PhD (Terrie) and Shane Reed Watson (Tammie) of Easley; his business partners and cousins, Bob (Hope), Greg (Tammy), Brian (Wendy), and Bradley (Jennifer) Watson. Thomas took immense pride in his role in the upbringing of Brian and Wendy’s sons-Daniel (21), Andrew (16), and Phillip (13)-especially in fostering intellectually spirited discussions on history and politics with Daniel, who is set to attend University of South Carolina School of Law this fall.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at the Chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, Easley, with burial to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Pickens, where Masonic rites will be observed. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown Easley.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital of Greenville by mailing a check to 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605 or by visiting Shriners Children's website and clicking on "Greenville" on the drop down menu of "Direct my gift to a location or program".

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory-Downtown Easley.