"I had the privilege of working with Chris early to mid 2000. Always willing to help, teach and make one a better person. Deepest sympathy to wife and family. Lynne Holden "
In loving memory of
Christopher O. Watson
July 14, 1950 - January 6, 2019
Major Christopher Orndorff Watson, United States Army Retired age 68 passed away Sunday, January 6, 2019 at his home in Coral Springs, Florida.
Born on July 14, 1950 in Olney, Illinois, he was the eldest son of Joan (Schneiter) Watson and the late Hummer O. Watson of Russellville, KY.
Chris was a 1968 graduate of Russellville High School where he served as the 1968 Senior Class President, and was a starting member of the 1966-1968 Panther Football Team and earned Co-Captain his senior year.
After high school he joined the Army, serving in Vietnam and multiple overseas assignments with the 82nd Airborne DIV. Chris began as an enlisted soldier, was accepted into and graduated from Officer Candidate School as a 2nd Lieutenant, spent 15 years as a Combat Engineer and finished his career as a Quartermaster Officer until his twenty year retirement having achieved the rank of Major. While serving he attended and graduated from Command Staff College, Supply Management Officer Course, Engineer Officer Advanced Course, Jumpmaster School and Airborne Training. He also graduated with a Political Science degree from the University of North Carolina-Pembroke. In addition, Chris was awarded the Bronze Star twice, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device 60, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation with palm three times, Master Parachutist Badge, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Achievement Medal twice, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon Twice, Korea Defense Service Medal and the Puerto Rico Nation Guard Cross of Merit.
He enjoyed a successful post-military career in construction management in South Florida with Pavex Corporation, Devcon International Corp., and most recently The Ryan Companies and Ranger Construction. His knowledge, attention to detail, work ethic and relational approach earned him the respect of all those that he worked with.
Some of Chris's special interests and hobbies included being an avid dog lover, spending time with his wife Charlotte and their dogs (Boulder, Billy and the late Bear), watching sports, reading, traveling to see family, genealogical research and keeping up with the grandkids. He was a member of the Orphan Brigade Kinfolk, The Collings Foundation, The National World War II Museum, the Historical Foundation, the Military Officers Association of America and was a former President of the local MOAA chapter. Chris enjoyed his return trip to Russellville for his 50th high school reunion this past fall and was thankful to be home again.
He is remembered with love by his wife Charlotte of Coral Springs, his two children Dr. R. Christopher Watson (Sarah) and Libby Rowles (Matthew) of Charlotte, NC, their Mother Susan (Hindman) Watson of Russellville, KY, brother Brad Watson (Patricia) of Franklin, TN, sister Lindy Kemmis (Rob) of Adairville, KY, as well as eight grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
There will be a Funeral Mass Service conducted Monday, January 28 , 2019 at 10:30 A.M. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Russellville, KY with a private graveside service to follow. There will be visitation Sunday, January 27, 2019 in the Young Funeral Home Russellville Chapel from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday February 9th from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Horizon Funeral & Cremation Services, 4650 N. Federal Highway, lighthouse Point, FL 33064
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors or Folds of Honor in Chris's name. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home or you can go to their websites: woundedwarriors.org or foldsofhonor.org
Online condolences may be made at: www.Horizonfuneralcremation.com