Guy Wayne Watson

Guy W. Watson (Wayne), age 85 of Powell, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 following a lengthy illness. “Preacher Wayne”, as most knew him, devoted his life to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ through preaching, teaching, and singing. Wayne was a machinist at Y-12 for 30 years, but his passion was his ministry work and singing gospel music. Wayne came from a large family and first began his singing career singing in the Watson Brothers quartet. He has sung with several groups, including the Southern Aires, and in later years sang with friends in the Chordsmen quartet. He attended the Stamps-Baxter School of Music in Texas and tried for years to learn to play piano and guitar. Wayne was an ordained minister, and for several years was pastor of children’s church, minister to the senior citizens group, and served as interim pastor at times at First Baptist Church in Powell. This is where he became known as “Preacher Wayne” and helped lead many to know the Lord. Wayne had many extraordinary talents and would often use his creativity in his ministry to teach the gospel to others. He created a remarkable puppet ministry and would often do chalk talks with black lights and other creative things during his sermons. He was also a talented artist, loved woodworking and piddling in the garage. He was even known to invent a thing or two. Most of all, Wayne was a wonderful, devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren which brought great joy to his life. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Nancy, parents Guy William and Anna Watson, brothers, Howell, Bud, Jewel, Beecher, and sisters Ann, Eloise, and Anna Lee. Survived by Son Steve Watson and wife Shawna, daughter Stacey Sugg and husband James, grandchildren Anna Roberts (Trevor), Ben and Logan Sugg, Scarlet, and Jacob Watson (Jessica), special great-granddaughter Sophia Sugg, brother Howard Watson (Betty), special sister-in law Mary Bean, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at Berry Lynnhurst Funeral Home on Adair drive with receiving of friends on Sunday, March 5th from 4:00-6:00pm with funeral service to follow given by Tom Folden. Family will meet at Lynnhurst Cemetery on Monday, March 6th at 11:00 am for graveside service given by James Sugg. The family would like to thank NHC Oak Ridge for their wonderful care the last few months. We would also like to thank the many special family and friends who have offered their love, prayers, and time for us the past few months.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berrylynnhurst.com for the Watson family.