Dr. Walter Charles Watson Sr. was born on January 11, 1942, in Evergreen, AL, to James and Daisy Watson and was the youngest of four children. Walter answered God’s call to come home on March 12, 2025, in Huntsville, AL.
Walter confessed Christ as his personal Savior at an early age at Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Evergreen, AL, and began his relationship with the Lord that ultimately was the foundation of his life.
As a toddler, Walter began his education in Repton, Alabama, by attending class while his parents taught together in a one-room schoolhouse, where his father was principal and his mother was the teacher. He later attended elementary school and Conecuh County Training School in Evergreen, Alabama. Graduating at the age of 16 from high school, Walter enrolled at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama, where he received a B.S. degree in science and mathematics in 1962. While on campus, he was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha, Beta Upsilon Chapter, in 1959, along with his close friend Sidney Lee.
At Alabama State University, Walter met the love of his life, Pearl Thrower, from Mobile, Alabama. They were joined in holy matrimony on March 9, 1962, and recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. From that union, two children were born.
Walter earned a Master of Education degree from Fisk University in Nashville, TN, and a Doctorate degree from Rutgers University in Newark, NJ. He began his career in Greenville, AL, as a teacher at Greenville Training/Southside High School. He also drove the school bus when a driver called in sick. After completing his Master’s, he accepted the position of Assistant Professor of Physical Science at Alabama A&M University. After earning his Doctorate, he was promoted to Associate Professor. Although he was a Hornet, Walter was also a long-time Bulldog, retiring after more than 35 years of service to the university. He found a true calling in education. Dedicated to his students, he made an immeasurable impact on their learning. His commitment and passion for education have left a lasting legacy.
Walter and his family called Huntsville, AL, home for 58 years. He was a devoted and active member of Fellowship Presbyterian Church, where he served faithfully as an Elder and usher. He was remarkably active with the food bank ministry and Bible study.
He loved his fraternity and was an active member of the Delta Theta Lambda Chapter in Huntsville. He was a member of his beloved fraternity for more than 60 years.
Walter worked hard and played hard. In his personal life, he was affectionately called “Pee Wee” or “Sweet Pea” by his family and friends. He enjoyed traveling the world, reading, and playing dominoes. He had a love for the outdoors and could often be found tending to his yard and gardens. During football season for many years, he followed the Alabama A&M Bulldogs and tailgated with his crew – Malcolm Thomas, Dr. George Jones, Dr. James Hicks, Robert “Smitty” Smith, Dr. Jerome “JR” Roberts, Judge Harris, Adrian Fairs, Josh Oliver, Dr. James Kirkpatrick, Dr. Winston Moody, and Lloyd Humphrey, just to name a few. He also had a knack for tracking the weather, earning him the affectionate title of the family’s personal weatherman, always ready with the forecast. There was never a dull moment with Walter in the room.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents and his brother, James Jr. “Buddy.”
Walter leaves to cherish his legacy his loving wife, Pearl T. Watson; son, Walter C. Watson Jr., both of Madison, AL; daughter, Sophia Juzang (Joe) of Birmingham, AL; sisters: Velma Rodgers of Cincinnati, OH, and Dr. Jacqueline Jacobs (Dr. David) of Altadena, CA; grandchildren: Paige Juzang of Huntsville, AL, Lauren Juzang of Atlanta, GA, Jasmine Hennie (Eugene) of Savannah, GA, and Robert Lynch of Jacksonville, FL; great-granddaughter, Sage Pearl Hennie; beloved in-laws: Leonard Thrower (Louise) of Lithonia, GA, Julius Thrower (Louise) of Mobile, AL, Joseph Thrower (Sherry) of Reynoldsburg, OH, and Orlando Thrower of Columbus, OH; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
A dedicated Christian, loving husband, devoted father, and outstanding educator, Dr. Walter C. Watson Sr. will be remembered for his joyful spirit, witty humor, heartwarming smile, generosity, and love of God, family, and friends.
Funeral service for Dr. Walter Charles Watson, Sr. will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Fellowship Presbyterian Church with Pastor Gregory Bentley officiating.
Interment will be in Valhalla Memory Gardens.
Public viewing will be 12:00 noon until 6 :00 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2025 and 8:30 until 9:00 a.m., Thursday, March 20, 2025.
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Delta Theta Lambda Chapter Omega Ceremony will be 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
R.E. Nelms Elks Lodge #977
Elks Lodge of Sorrow will be 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
Dr. Watson will lie in state one hour prior to funeral service.
