Bruce Russell Watson

Bruce Russell Watson passed away June 14, 2024 at the age of 97. He was born February 17, 1927 in Greene County, Pennsylvania, the son of Lester M. and Grace (South) Watson. He, and his wife Peggy, moved from Rockford, IL to Arizona in 1987, where they had homes in the Ahwatukee Foothills and Prescott before moving to Friendship Village in Tempe in August 2017. Bruce was preceded in death by his recently departed, loving wife of 67 years Peggy (Dingle) Watson, his parents, six brothers and two sisters. He is survived by two children, Darlene Watson of Phoenix, AZ and David Watson of Rockford, IL: his cherished grandchildren, Jessica (Nik) Gravelle, Arianna Zagnoni, David K. Watson: and his beloved great-grandson, Nash Jae Gravelle.

Growing up on a Pennsylvania dairy farm, Bruce and his brothers could be found early mornings delivering milk to the area neighbors. In one of these homes lived the Dingle family with daughter Peggy – which many years later became Mrs. Bruce Watson. The Watson Family was known for their patriotism. Bruce enlisted in the USAAF in 1944, with his already acquired Private Pilot license in hand, as an Aviation Cadet for pilot training. There was a unique time that all the Watson children were enlisted in WWII Military - even his 2 older sisters. On October 4, 1956 Bruce married his long time sweetheart, Peggy Iona Dingle. The same year he was hired by Eclipse Fuel Engineering Company of Rockford, IL as their Company Pilot. After 30 challenging and successful years, Bruce retired from Eclipse, Inc. in September 1986 as the President & General Manager. Throughout his life, Bruce continued his love for flying with over 13,400 flying hours logged! He held many different types of pilots licenses with over 65 types of aircraft flown. On his 87th Birthday he took his final flight- 70 glorious years as an active pilot. This past March 17, 2024 Peggy went home to be with the Lord where now Bruce has joined her in the heavenly realms.

“What a Life, well planned, well lived and much enjoyed!” ~B.R. Watson

Services will be held for Bruce Russell Watson at Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery, 10940 E. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler, AZ 85248 on July 9, 2024. Visitation will begin at 9 -10 a.m. Memorial Service at 10 a.m. with a Military Graveside burial immediately thereafter.