Aubrey Pliny Watson, 83, previously of Richmond, VA and Florence, AL, passed away on June 3rd, 2024, in Weston, FL. Aubrey was born in Temple, GA (just outside of Atlanta) to Lula Ray Wood Watson and Earl Erastus Watson. He is survived by his devoted and adoring wife of 30 years, Stevie Watson. He is also survived by his children from his first marriage to Jane Kelly Watson (pre-deceased), his son Kelly Watson (Paige) and daughter, Windy Vereen (Garrie Vereen, pre-deceased) and his stepsons Spencer Morgan (Maria) and Justin Morgan (Meredith) and his grandchildren Aubrey Porter Watson (pre-deceased), Preston Watson, Everett Vereen, Jane Vereen, Amanda Morgan, Katelin Morgan, Madison Morgan and Ashley Morgan – all of whom he was very, very proud. Aubrey was an only child and claimed to be the first latch-key child in America as both his parents worked – his mother in a high grade government job and his father as an Editor with the Atlanta Journal Constitution newspaper. He said he had to learn to entertain himself and did so by becoming an avid reader and playing lots of sports with the neighborhood kids. Aubrey was one of the smartest men you would ever meet but he would never let you know it. He could do the most difficult crossword puzzles in his head as he and Stevie drove around and she would call out the clues.
He was a multi-sport athlete – earning multiple letters in high school where he played football, basketball and became a local city all-star baseball player. His father never told him that he was scouted by the pros because he wanted to be sure Aubrey went on to college. Aubrey was a highly ranked National Merit Scholar and was pursued by many colleges and universities but chose to go to Georgia Tech where he played baseball and became a member of and life supporter of Kappa Sigma fraternity. He went to a work fair at Ga. Tech his senior year and straight out of college went to work for Reynolds Metals Co. after getting his B.S. in Industrial Management. He moved to Florence, Alabama where he became a manager of a 5000 person plant and while there earned his Masters Degree at the University of North Alabama, he remained there until he was promoted to the Reynolds Metals Headquarters in Richmond, VA where he became Director of Technology for the Rolling Mills Division which was one of 5 company divisions. His job took him to many foreign countries including Japan and the USSR. He developed a love for travel and in his lifetime visited 48 of the U.S. States and many, many countries. He flew over one million miles on just one airline. Aubrey took early retirement from his 30 year career with Reynolds when it was bought out by Alcoa. He was 53 and wanted to stay closer to home to be with his bride, Stevie. Seeking intellectual stimulation, Aubrey decided to earn his Doctorate from Nova Southeastern University in Business Management. After which, he taught some college classes. He really enjoyed the interaction with the students. Later, he obtained his real estate license and joined Stevie’s real estate team so he could help her and they could spend more time together.
Aubrey was very modest and throughout his lifetime he received many accolades for his work and his volunteer efforts. He had a great sense of humor and quick wit. He excelled at many sports throughout his adult lifetime. He was a black diamond skier, a skilled sailor, and a low handicap golfer.
Even though it meant giving up longtime friends, doctors he liked and the familiarity of his home, Aubrey encouraged the move to Florida so that Stevie could be near her sons and their families when he was no longer here. It was a difficult move for him but a selfless gift to Stevie.
Aubrey fought a long hard battle with Lewy Body disease for many, many years and never gave up hope that he could improve or remain status quo and he never ever complained about it. And, mostly, he did not want to leave Stevie. Stevie kept her promise to Aubrey that he would remain at home till his end.
Contributions in honor of Aubrey’s memory may be made to LBDA, 912 Killian Hill Road, Suite 205 SW, Lilburn, GA, 30047 or www.lbda.org
