Lt. John William Watson of Hattiesburg, died on October 26™, 2026, at Hattiesburg, MS. He was 80 years old.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 9:30AM to 11:00AM at Providence Baptist Church. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, followed by Graveside Services.

John graduated from Mississippi State University in 1969 and served in ROTC while attending college.

John Watson proudly served in the United States Navy attaining the rank of Lieutenant 3rd Class. During his years of active duty, he served as a Naval Flight Officer and Navigator, logging over 1500 hours in the Mach 2+ carrier-based North American RA-5C

Vigilante reconnaissance aircraft. He served 8 years and was honorably discharged in 1984.

John retired from Jarden Consumer Solutions as Forecast/Planning Manager with 30 years of dedicated employment.

It was a passion of John's to serve and teach older men's Bible study classes. He served with all his heart and invested in those in his classes for many years. He currently is a member of Providence Baptist Church, and formerly a member at Venture Church and Main Street Baptist, all in Hattiesburg MS and was a member of First Baptist of Ellisville for many years.

John is survived by his wife, Janice Watson; a son, John Wesley Watson (Chaille); a daughter, Rachel Christina Thrash (Ryan); a stepson, Kenneth Shay Reid (Susan); a brother, Earl C. "Bill" Watson of Brandon, MS; seven grandchildren, Anna Grace Rainey (Colton), Brian Luke King, Justice Cade King, Magnolia "Nola" Yvette Watson, Kaity Reid Davis (Blake), Ryan Reid and Cole Thrash; two great grandchildren, Carter Elizabeth Rainey and Campbell Jack Rainey. John is also survived by his ex-wife, Christina Armestead Lee. He was proceeded in death by his father, J. Clifford Watson, Sr.; mother, Martha Story Watson; brother, J. Clifford Watson, Jr.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Brian Luke King, Justice Cade King, Cole Thrash and Ryan Reid and Colton Rainey; nephew, Timothy Watson.

In Lieu of Flowers the family would like donations made to: Homes of Hope 344 Tucker Rd, Purvis, MS 39475 in Memory of John W. Watson.