Mr. Stanley Carlyle Watson

Born June 13, 1939 to William D. Watson and Regina Wood Watson in Covington, Georgia, Stanley Carlyle Watson grew up in Griffin. With a lifelong love of music, from the age of 15 Stan played in local bands, and he began to play professionally after graduation from Griffin High School at age 17. Stan initially played lead guitar and sometimes bass guitar, but picked up the piano, organ and electronic keyboard while in Nashville because it was much easier for a piano player to find work than the many guitar players there. He played bands and session work, playing the Grand Ole Opry twice during that time and often traveling in tour buses out of Nashville, until 1961 when he was 22. Desiring to get off the road and move back home to Griffin at that time, he got a job in radio and there “Stan the Man” remained for the next 47 years until retiring in 2008. He worked for several radio stations during that time, including WGRI, WHIE, WKEU, and WEKS (The Bear 92.5). After retirement he briefly worked also at WBAF in Barnesville. His beautiful baritone brought him into everyone’s living room, kitchen or car radio, and he was especially fond of spinning tales each morning on the radio detailing all his family’s adventures and misfortunes, but that only endeared him to all.

During all this time, Stan continued to play his beloved music, sometimes several nights a week and later only a few. Over the years he played with many groups such as The Jimmy Smart Band; Tennessee and Smitty on television (sponsored by Martha White Flour way back then); several groups on Auburn Avenue in Atlanta; Southern Tradition with Perry, Darlene and Jay Copeland; Mystery Train with Chris Carroll; and most recently Darrell Nicholson’s band Dixie Pride, with whom he has played for more than eight years, two nights every week, until the end of October 2012. Along the way he played many venues over the Atlanta and Griffin area, including Mama’s Country Showcase, various country clubs, VFW’s, DAV’s, Moose Lodges, county fairs, American Legion Posts, private parties, weddings, Christmas events and a great many benefits for those in need where he was glad to lend his talents. Anytime there was pickin’ and grinnin’ in this area, whether for profit, for fun or for some need, Stan could be found in attendance.

Stan was a longtime member of the Spalding County Kiwanis Club and the Jaycees of Griffin, both of whom helped many in the community, also doing much volunteer work for the American Cancer Society and the Danny Thomas Foundation at St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Stan was an active member of Second Baptist Church where he served on the greeter team and was very involved in the Christian Friends Sunday School Class. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Stan to his home church, Second Baptist Church at 501 West Broad Street, Griffin, GA 30223.

Survivors include his loving wife of sixteen years, Teresa Anthony Watson; daughter and son-in-law, Cindi (Dan) Goolsby; son and daughter-in-law, David (Melanie) Harden; granddaughter, Katie Denise Fogarty all of Griffin; nephew Paul (Colleen) Watson of Loganville; niece Stephanie Petty of Albany; great nieces and nephews; sister-in-law Marie Watson of Monroe; and a multitude of friends and other family. Stanley Watson was preceded in death by his mother, Regina Wood Daniel; his father, William D. Watson, Sr.; and brother, David Watson.

Services for Stanley Carlyle Watson will be Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. at Second Baptist Church. Visitation for friends and family will be Saturday, January 12, 2013 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Haisten-McCullough Funeral Home located at 1155 Everee Inn Road, Griffin, Georgia.

The Haisten McCullough Funeral Home, 1155 Everee Inn Rd. is in charge of arrangements.