Dennis Lee Watson

February 2, 1948 – June 13, 2018

Lee was born in Austin, Texas on Groundhog Day – February 2, 1948. He was the only child of Alyce Wasko Watson and Lawrence “Red” Watson. Lee spent his early childhood in Texas and moved to Lakeland, Florida when he was 10. He graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1966 and went on to become a Gator, receiving his degree in journalism from the University of Florida.

After college, Lee worked on air in radio and television, and this brought him to Orlando where he worked in both news and sports at WFTV/Channel 9. Lee’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to start two businesses in the late 1970s – Lee Watson Communications (specializing in radio and TV advertising production) and Above It All Ballooning (flying his hot air balloon over Orlando with advertising banners or on weekends for private champagne breakfast flights).

Outside of business, Lee’s heart was as big as his booming broadcast voice. He volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Florida where he was paired with a quiet, 10-year-old boy - Jimmy. What started out as a one day a week mentorship commitment led to their lifelong father-son relationship.

In December 1980, Lee invited a local public relations professional to assist him with a project on behalf of one of his clients. To celebrate the completion of a successful project, he invited her to dinner and it was the beginning of a very special love story. From that day forward, Lee and Deb were inseparable. They were married on December 4, 1982.

Eventually, Lee and Deb joined forces in work as well as marriage. During the week, they worked hard with Lee leading advertising efforts and Deb responsible for public relations activities for clients of Watson Communications. On weekends, they played hard traveling in their motorhome, especially to Gator football games and other sporting events.

In 1989, Emily Rose Watson was born. Three years later, Alyson Kaye Watson was born. Those two little girls immediately had their big Dad wrapped around their little fingers. He was the best ballet, equestrian, color guard and gymnastics, swim team and water polo Dad. Lee was their M.O.S. – Man of Steel. He changed careers so he could work from home and be available to support his family in any and every way. Family was always #1 to Lee.

Lee found fulfillment in helping others and he was fortunate to discover a second career that was mutually beneficial to him and those he served. He became an expert in long-term care insurance helping families throughout Central Florida create financial plans that supported loved ones needs while protecting their assets.

Last year, a new love entered Lee’s life as he became a grandfather to Emily and Eric’s daughter – Eleanor Grace, or as he would say “Elean-er.” We are all very grateful that Lee was able to spend a week with Emily, Eric and Ellie in early May before he became ill. They made some great memories that are everlasting.

God broke the mold when he made Lee. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandpa, friend, community servant, and man of faith. Lee passed away in the early morning of Wednesday, June 13 surrounded by his wife, Debbie; his daughters, Emily (with son-in-law Eric en route from Ohio) and Alyson; granddaughter Eleanor; son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Julie; daughter-friend, Lydia; college roommate and best friend, Jim; close friend and breakfast buddy, Dan; and his Goddaughter Kathleen and parents Jay and Lori. Though we all feel Lee left us way too soon, we know those whose lives he impacted will continue his legacy of love.

Please Join Us to Celebrate Lee’s Life

Monday, June 18, 2018

10 a.m. Memorial Mass:

St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Community

4001 Edgewater Drive

Orlando, FL

Immediately Followed by:

12 p.m. Graveside Service

Woodlawn Memorial Park

400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road

Gotha, FL

Immediately Followed by:

1:30 p.m. Gathering of Family & Friends

Taproom at Dubsdread

549 W Par St

Orlando, FL

In lieu of flowers and to recognize Lee’s big heart, please direct donations in his memory to:

Big Brother Big Sisters of Central Florida

http://bbbscfl.org/donate/