Kenneth A Watson

Obituary for Kenneth Albert Watson (Ken)
Rocky Mount – Kenneth Albert Watson (Ken), age 74, passed away on June 10, 2016, at his home, surrounded by family and friends, after a prolonged illness of Lewy Body Dementia. Born in Edgecombe County, NC on November 5, 1941, he was the son of the late Thomas Speight Watson and Virginia Gupton Watson. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Tommy Watson, beloved in-laws, Harrell and Connie Needham and a loved brother-in-law, Chris Needham.

Ken graduated from Rocky Mount Senior High in 1960 and went on to further his education in farming at the Agricultural Institute at NC State College. In addition to his love of farming, he retired from Burlington Industries after 25 years of service.

He grew up in and was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Rocky Mount, until transferring to Sunset Avenue Baptist Church in 1980. With Ken, family came first, including all members down to aunts and uncles. He could be counted on to help whenever there was a need…sickness, picking up groceries during snow storms, mowing grass if you were ill, home repairs and many other good deeds. He had a love for all animals. He fed, nursed and loved many a sick horse, dog or cat. Some that would not even go to other people, came to him.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Phyllis Needham Watson (Cookie), his devoted son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth A. Watson II (Ken II) and Heather L. Watson, a granddaughter, Catherine Anne Watson (Catie), all of Rocky Mount, NC, and a grandson, Nathaniel Amory Watson of Burlington, NC. He is also survived by brothers, Robert W. Watson and wife, Kay, of Winston Salem, NC; Stephen D. Watson and wife, Pat, of Rocky Mount, NC; and beloved sister-in-law, Susan Dixon of Raleigh, NC. In addition are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends who were very special in Ken’s life.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM prior to the service.

The family would like to express appreciation to all the caregivers of Nash General Hospice with much gratitude to Mary Ricks and Malinda Lynch. Special thanks go to Marcie Cooper, Ken’s long time nurse who gave unselfishly and graciously of her time and talent to make this journey bearable. She not only cared for “Mr. Ken”, but nurtured this entire family, and was with us at the end. We will forever treasure her loving influence in our lives.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road, SW, Suite 103, Lilburn, GA 30047 or by http://www.lbda.org/donate.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.