Bruce Hayward Watson Jr.

On July 1, 2017, our Almighty God opened the door of heaven and received Bruce Hayward Watson, Jr. Bruce was an amazing person. He was a dedicated, loving and proud father to "his girls", Melissa Marie Padilla and Christina Nicole Watson, both of Egg Harbor City, New Jersey and Mariah Elizabeth Watson of San Antonio, Texas.

Bruce was born April 11, 1969 in Atlantic City to the late Bruce Hayward Watson Sr. and Georgeanna Bady. He was a product of the public school system in Atlantic, New Jersey and graduated from Atlantic City High School in June 1987. Bruce entered the United States Army 15 days after his high school graduation at Fort Bliss in El Paso Texas. After his completion of Basic Combat Training (BCT) he attended Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Sam Houston where he earned the Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 91A, Combat Medical Specialist; the first of four Military Occupational Specialties he would earn during his career. SSG Watson left service in July of 1990 returning home to Atlantic City where he pursued a career in the casino industry. October 1998 marks his return to active duty service when he attended the Carpentry/Masonry Specialist course in Biloxi, Mississippi where he earned Honor Graduate status. SSG Watson was then allowed to attend the United States Navy’s “C Phase” Interior Carpentry course where he too graduated with honors.

In May 2003 SSG Watson was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with B Company 52nd Engineer Battalion (Combat Heavy), who was subsequently attached to the 101st Airborne Division in Mosul Iraq. After spending one year in Mosul he returned home to Fort Carson, Colorado and volunteered for recruiting/retention duty. After graduating from the Recruiting/Retention course at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. SSG Watson was assigned to the San Antonio Recruiting Battalion, Fort Sam Houston Texas in April 2005. There he served as a detail recruiter until September 2007 when he converted to (MOS) 79R, making the decision to continue enlisting America’s finest for the rest of his military career.

His other duty assignments include: Hunter Army Air Field, Savannah, Georgia, Fort Stewart, Georgia, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Fort Bliss, Texas, and Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

SSG Watson’s awards and accolades include: The Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), Army Achievement Medal (4th Award), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Expert Marksmanship Badge W/Small Bore Rifle tab, Driver and Mechanic badge W/Driver-Wheeled tab, the Glen E. Morrell Order of Recruiting Excellence Medallion, the Gold Recruiter Badge W/Three Safire Stars, and the Gold Recruiting Ring.

In February 2011 Staff Sergeant Watson was forced to retire from military service due to medical complications. Since then he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business with a Concentration in Administration from the University of Phoenix with a 3.49 GPA.

Bruce was preceded in death by his grandparents, Howard Leroy Ward and Amparo Ward; Arthur Mitchell Watson Sr. and Margaret Virginia Watson, his father Bruce Hayward Watson, Sr. and Stepmother, Helen Watson.

He is survived by his mother Georgeanna Bady and Stepfather Robert Bady of Fredericksburg, Virginia; His three daughters, Granddaughter, Nyla Marie Summerset of Egg Harbor City, New Jersey; sister, Kelli Watson (Stanley) Hughes of Woodbridge, Virginia, a brother, Douglas (Kelly) Curry of Bolingbrook, Illinois; one step-sister, Angela (Eric) McCreery of South Carolina and two step-brothers Lucas Bady of Colorado and Alonso Adams of Nebraska. A Very Special Friend Jacquelyn Merced of San Antonio, Texas, who was his caretaker and confidant, His precious Goddaughter, Victoria Merced of San Antonio, Texas. Three Nieces and Five Nephews. A Host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

B is for Brave and Bold

R is for Relentless in his heart to be there for his family and friends

U is for Unyielding in his love

C is for Courageous, Compassionate, and a Comforter

E is for Encourager to all he met