James “Red” Watson, age 69, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, in AHC Crestview Health Care and Rehabilitation in Brownsville, TN. Funeral Services will be conducted on Friday, December 11, 2020, at 2:00 PM in Harmony Baptist Church in Haywood County, with Bro. David Reeves and Bro. Johnny Wayne Watson officiating. Burial will follow in Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation for Mr. Watson will be on Thursday, December 10, 2020, from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home in Brownsville, TN. He was born on July 24, 1951 in Haywood County to Johnny and Sarah Elizabeth Elrod Watson. He worked as a farmer and always enjoyed being outdoors. He loved taking care of his animals and raising cows. He enjoyed spending time and socializing with his friends. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Qualls Watson of Stanton, TN; one son, Jonathan Watson of Jackson, TN; two daughters, Jamie Rutkowski (Carl) of Ripley, TN and Elizabeth Pace, (Stephen) of Whiteville, TN and one brother, Wayne Watson, (Sharon) of Stanton, TN. He leaves a legacy of six grandchildren, Michael Pace, Martin Pace, Matthew Pace, Mia Pace, Carl Edmund Rutkowski and Ryland Watson. He was preceded in death by his parents; Johnny and Sarah Elizabeth Elrod Watson; two brothers, Clifton Watson and Bill Watson and one sister, Christine Evans. Pallbearers for the service will be Carl Edmund Rutkowski, Martin Pace, Michael Pace, Matthew Pace, Jeremy Qualls, James Goodman, Robert Hardister. Honorary Pallbearers are David German, Tony Edmonds, Thomas Evans and Booker T. Springfield. In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Judy Hardister, 523 Monroe St., Brownsville, TN 38012. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home in Brownsville, TN.
