Max Watson

James Max Watson, age 88 of Wears Valley, Tennessee went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, August 27, 2023. He was a native of Gatlinburg, Tennessee and a lifelong resident of Wears Valley, Tennessee. He was a Navy Veteran of the Korean War, and he became a member of the Order of the Blue Nose for crossing the Arctic Circle during his time of service.

Max was an active member of the Sevier County community. He worked for 37 years as an educator and school principal. He also served as a Rotarian, a Gideon, a member of the Retired Teachers Association, an American Legionnaire, a Shriner, and a member of the Scottish Rite. He built and operated Creekside Motel in Gatlinburg from 1965 to 2000. He was a former Sunday School Superintendent and Deacon of First Baptist Church Sevierville. He was an avid Tennessee Vols fan and loved his family who affectionately called him “Poppy”. He was always blessed and grateful to have lived his entire life in the Great Smoky Mountains. He often remarked that it had to be the most beautiful place on Earth. He hiked to the top of Mt. LeConte on ten different occasions.

Max was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Marcia Watson; parents Ashley R. and Lizzie Alice Watson; brother Donald Watson; granddaughter, Meghann Norah McGinnis Newman; brother-in-law, Charlie Harrill; sister-in-law June Watson; nieces, Teresa Huskey, Renae Huskey Morgan, Regina Huskey Davis; great nephew Jeremiah Kibria.

He is survived by two sons, Chuck McGinnis (Melanie) and James Ashley Watson all of Wears Valley, Tennessee; daughter, Lea Pike (Stephen) of Chattanooga, Tennessee; four grandchildren Ashley Joy McGinnis, Jacob Charles (Amber) McGinnis, Cailtin Elaine McGinnis and Mary Elizabeth Pike; and five great grandchildren, Caleb Hughes, Conner Nottage, Lillian McGinnis, Eleanor and Judah McGinnis. In addition, he is survived by his sister, Nelma Harrill; nieces and nephews David Harrill, (Vanda), Mark Harrill (Kristie), Cathy Stewart, Daulton Huskey, Michael Huskey (Frances), Tommy Watson (Donna), Amy Watson and Sherry Watson; several great-nieces and great-nephews; special friends, Pam and Whitney Stinnett and family; caregivers, Karen Geilenkirchen, Debbie Rawlston, Faye Bledsoe, Sherre Carney Connie Suero, and Alex Suero. The family would like to also thank Goodens Compassionate Care team members, Hospice of Chattanooga and the wonderful Staff of Martin Boyd Christian Home.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, August 31 from 12 Noon until 2 PM at First Baptist Church, Sevierville. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 2 PM at the church with Rev. Jerry Hyder and Rev. Scott Carter officiating. Graveside service and interment will follow the service in Smoky Mountain Memory Gardens, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Sevierville, Children’s Ministries, 317 Parkway, Sevierville, Tennessee 37862 and HonorAir Knoxville, P.O. Box 12990, Knoxville, TN 37912.

Arrangements are announced by Atchley Funeral Home, Sevierville and Chattanooga Funeral Home, Valley View Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.atchleyfuneralhome.com

“Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” Isaiah 46:4