Paul Watson

Paul Vernon Watson of Enville, TN, was born on September 11, 1932 and passed from this life on March 21, 2023, at the age of 90.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bill and Willie Watson of Parma, Missouri, and all six of his siblings: Dorothy Reeves (Junior), Venita Woods (R.D.), Dean Belew (Lindy), Curt Watson, Jo Ann Yates, Terry Hudgens (Ken).

He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Anna Lee Bridges Watson, his children Donna Watson Crisp of Mt Juliet, TN (Mark), Steven Paul Watson of Gurley, Alabama, (Alisa), Delana Ann Watson Pirtle of Enville, TN (Harold). Grandchildren, Jacob Crisp (Rachel), Jonathan Crisp (Erin), Jeanette Mullins (Jesse), Taylor Watson (Jennifer), Christopher Pirtle (Renata), Whitney Gravelle (Josh), Sara Clark (Derek) and 13 great grandchildren Ethan Crisp, Addison Crisp, Logan Crisp, Jace Crisp, Jude Mullins, Naomi Mullins, Jewel Mullins, Marcy Watson, Brooks Gravelle, Charlee Gravelle, Beckham Gravelle, Kane Clark, Korbin Clark. Sister-in-Law Ruthann Watson, Brother-in-Law Thomas Yates, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

He enjoyed being a gospel preacher, helping the less fortunate, fishing, quail hunting, all things farm life and always a good joke. 

Paul was born in Octa, Missouri. He married Anna Lee Bridges on December 8, 1950 and went on to serve 4 years in the Air Force.  After leaving the military, they moved to Henderson, TN. He attended Freed Hardeman College where he studied to become a gospel preacher.  They then moved to Abilene, Texas where he continued his studies before becoming a fulltime minister.  He preached at various congregations in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama and TN for over 50 years.  He also served as an Elder at the Plainview Church of Christ in Enville, TN until health reasons prevented him from continuing. Paul and Ann placed their membership with the Estes Church of Christ in 2022.

Paul had a zest for life and never met a stranger.  Often times, he was the first person to arrive at the church building and the last person to leave.  He loved people and regardless of the topic, he would always steer the conversation to the Lord and his faith.  During his lifetime, he was a tireless worker for the Lord and led countless souls to Christ.

You may have been a recipient of Paul’s generosity. Paul was generous with his time, his money, his love and his antics. If you knew Paul, you know it wasn’t long before the prankster in him came out.

He also enjoyed fishing, quail hunting and all things farm life.  If he hadn’t become a gospel preacher, he would have made a great vet and there are several male cats, dogs and a few bulls that would testify to that!

Nothing gave him more joy than to share what he had with others. Paul was always a true friend to the less fortunate. Hebrews 13:16 sums up his life when the writer says “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices, God is well pleased.