Ronnie Gene Watson

Ronnie Gene Watson was born to Colvin Colquitt Watson and Annie Eloise Watson on September 11, 1946, in Henderson, Texas and stepped into Glory, October 27, 2025, in Hallsville, Texas. 

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Judy Lee Watson, older brother Morgan Watson, younger brother and sister-in-law Roger and Sue Watson, younger sister and brother-in- law Sherri and Jimmy Johnston, son and daughter-in-law Donnie and Elana Watson, daughter Edie DeLorme, son Ricky Watson, and son Michael Watson; grandchildren, Nathan and wife Ciara Watson, Alyson Watson, Samuel DeLorme, Daniel Watson, Natalie Watson, and Gracie DeLorme: and great-grandchildren Emmitt Watson and Charlotte Watson.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, oldest sister Helen Overton, oldest brother David Watson, and his oldest grand-daughter Rachel DeLorme.

Ronnie was trained by his father as an automotive mechanic and began working as one at the age of 15. He would often recount a story from around 5th grade when his teacher wanted the children to make a list of what they wanted to be when they grew up and all he wrote was “mechanic”. His teacher told him to write down some other things he might want to be, and he told her was going to be a mechanic like his daddy and he didn’t want to be anything else. She never was able to convince him to consider another career or add anything else to that list. Even when he was assigned to airplane maintenance after joining the United States Air Force at the age of 17, he managed to convince his superiors he should be transferred to motor pool so he could continue being an automotive mechanic. Wherever he lived people brought cars and trucks from all around to have him work on them. However, as much as he loved working on vehicles, he loved two things even more, God and his family, in that order. 

It never took long for Ronnie to turn any conversation toward God and the Bible. It wasn’t only with his words that he focused on God. His actions proved his love and devotion to the God. He was always willing to lend a hand or his last dollar to help anyone in need. He would not just tell you he would pray for you or give you some sage advice and walk away. He was going to go home to his wife Judy, and they were going to figure out exactly how they could help and recruit others to help if the need was there. He lived his beliefs without compromise but with great compassion.

Second only to his love of God was his love of family. He loved fiercely and faithfully. His love was not limited to his own wife and children. It went beyond even standard extended family. Friends became family and he loved them as if they shared the same blood. He poured his life into taking care of all those he loved. On any given day he could be found with grandkids in tow when they were young, repairing a broken vehicle or mower, mowing a lawn, repairing a house, chasing down a stray cow, or hauling hay for a loved one. He seldom spoke of his own achievements but beamed with pride and a twinkle in his eye when telling of the accomplishments of those he loved. He was full of mischief and loved to cut up and be silly with his wife, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was also very tenderhearted and would often get teary eyed when watching a touching movie or seeing a child with special needs overcome difficulties.

Ronnie was a treasured husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. To know him was to expect a warm embrace, Godly wisdom, a ever ready helping hand, along with a healthy dose of Biblical accountability.

A funeral service will be held at Mulberry Springs Baptist Church in Hallsville on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 2:00 PM with visitation being 1 hour prior to service. Interment to follow at Ore City Cemetery.