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Condolences:
Jay Mock
Joe and family, I'm sending up prayers for Willie and his family. He was a great man. He served our community well. I remember being a little leaguer and victim to his third strike calls.Very animated. The world needs more Willies. He was a great man.
Dale Hutcherson, Marine Corps League
My condolences to the family and friends. RIP brother. Semper Fi
Bill Decker
The Decker family will hold Willie and his family in our prayers during this time of transition. God Speed Marine!
Newsome Family
Our deepest consolation to all of you! Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Our dad enjoyed when Mr. Watson would stop and visit with dad occasionally and that meant so much to him .We will always remember Mr. Watson beautiful smile and how he would stop and speak to us and ask about the family . May he be resting in our Lord’s loving arms and know he will always be with you all. Blessings to all of you.
Horace Head
My condolences to his wife, family, league members and friends. Rest in peace Marine.
Doug Ferry - Marine Corps League
My condolences and God Bless Willie and his family. Rest in Peace, Willie. Semper Fi
Mark Brummer SgtMaj (Ret)
Willie is a great person and Marine who gave is all to help all he had known through out his years. God Bless you and your family.
Willie F. Watson
2025-11-08
Willie Francis Watson, of Fernandina Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025. He was 98 years old. He was born on September 8, 1927, in Princeton, Kentucky, to the late Fred and Francis Watson.
After graduating from high school, Willie proudly served four years in the United States Marine Corps and remained an active member of the Marine Corps League. Following his service, he attended Western Kentucky University, where he played football and earned his degree. Willie was employed at Container Corporation of America in Fernandina Beach for 35 years before retiring.
In 1955, he married Joyce Dearing, and together they built a loving family and shared 70 wonderful years of marriage. An avid golfer, runner, and sports enthusiast, he participated in the River Run, coached football umpired baseball and was a devoted Florida Gator fan. A member of First Baptist Church for more than 60 years Willie participated in multiple mission trips and lived daily through service, kindness, and love for others.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce Watson; children Fran Major (David) Tony Watson (Deb), and Joe Watson (Tina); grandchildren Amelia Stevens (Judson), Ben Major (Jordyn), Ryan Watson, Cole Watson (Emma), Cassady Hewett (Clay), and Carmen Hoffman (Tristan) and great-grandchildren Rylee, Benton, Masyn, Kyson, Will, and Grey.
He will be laid to rest, with military honors, at Jacksonville National Cemetery at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
Willie will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, Marine, and friend — a true American who loved God, his family, and his country.
Donations may be made in his memory to First Baptist Church in Fernandina or the Marine Corp League of Fernandina.
Memories