Gary Edgar Watson

Gary Edgar Watson, 91, passed away on August 21, 2023, in Jacksonville, FL. Gary, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to all who were blessed to know him, was born and raised in Jacksonville. He was a 1949 graduate of Landon High School. In 1951, after his first two years at Emory University, Gary paused his education to enlist in the United States Navy. He proudly served as a supply officer in Okinawa during the Korean War. Gary continued serving his country in the U.S. Naval Reserves, from which he retired as a Captain in 1975.

After the war, Gary returned to Emory University to complete his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and begin his career in the dry cleaning industry, eventually becoming President of Duval Laundry from which he retired in 1995. During his career, he served in leadership roles with professional organizations such as the Southeastern Fabricare Association and the International Fabricare Institute. He was also a past president of the Boys and Girls Club of Jacksonville and the Exchange Club of Jacksonville.

A lover of sports, Gary was a lifelong fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and die-hard fan of the Florida Gators and Jacksonville Jaguars. Gary also enjoyed gardening, reading, watching movies, and spending time with his family. He was also a long-time member of South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church.

Gary was the son of Walter J. Watson, Sr., and Emma Lou Watson. He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years Kay Watson, brother Walter J. Watson, Jr., sister Dorothy Whitelaw, and Mary Hobby Mills, the mother of his son William Gary Watson. Gary is survived by his son William Gary Watson (Susie), his son Andrew E. Watson, and his daughter Melinda Watson Gulledge (Mike). He is also survived by his grandsons Michael (Mick) Gulledge, Jr., and William Gary Watson, Jr., and his granddaughter Savannah Watson. The family wishes to thank Discovery Village at Deerwood and Community Hospice of Jacksonville for the outstanding care they provided Gary.

A memorial service for Gary is scheduled for Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church located at 2137 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL, 32207. The family invites you to join them for a reception at the church following the service. A graveside service will be held at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida, 32207, following the reception.