Clinton Watson, Jr., affectionately known as “JR” was born February 13th, 1937 to Clinton Watson, Sr. and Inez Watson in Griffin, Georgia.

At an early age he joined Pine Grove Baptist Church in Milner, Georgia. He received his formal education in the Griffin-Spalding County School System and was a proud product of Annie Shockley and Fairmont High School respectively.

Jr. was a member of the family gospel quartet group known as the Soulful Sunlighters of Griffin, Georgia. Started and managed by his father, Clinton, Sr., Jr. enjoyed singing along side his brothers, son and friends, as they traveled near and far for many, many years.

In 1957, Jr. met the love of his life, Lena Bell Leek Watson, a union that endured for 69 years. God blessed their marriage with seven children who were the joy of his life.

Jr. worked for Dr. William King of Griffin, Georgia for many years and became family. He was also a school bus driver for the Griffin-Spalding County School System with 42 years of dedicated service.

He had a love for good gospel quartet singing, fishing, especially the fishing trips with his siblings, yearly family trips to Florida, planting and working in his garden as he planted and nurtured his flowers and plants.

On April 6th, Mr. Clinton Watson, Jr.’s name was called and he entered a peaceful rest with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was preceded in death by his loving parents: Clinton and Inez Watson; daughter: 1st Lady Lena Watson Dickson; 2 sons: Clinton Harry Watson and David Odom; grandson: Martez Watson; siblings: Christine and Albert.

Clinton Watson, Jr. leaves to honor and cherish his memory his devoted wife: Lena Bell Watson; 2 daughters: Denise Watson, Rita (Bobby) Johns of Griffin, GA; 3 sons: Kenneth Watson, Russell (Felicia) Watson of Hampton, GA and Rob Watson of Griffin, GA; 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; siblings: Horace (Helen) Watson, Ulysees, Bertha, Mamie, Faye, Roxie Earnestine(Louis), Dianne(Terry) and Lynn; sister-in-law: Minister Eula McDowell; brother’s-in-law: Marvin(Joanne) Leeks and David Whatley; special sister and brother: Robyn King Bolton and Wylly King; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends who all will forever cherish his loving memory.

McDowell's Funeral Home, Inc. is entrusted with Home Going Care!