Jay Watson

George Jay Watson, a resident of Greenwell Springs, Louisiana, passed away on September 29th, 2022, at the age of 84.

Jay was born on March 7th, 1938 in New Orleans, LA.  He grew up in Baton Rouge and was a 1956 graduate of Istrouma High School.

As a confident young adult, his career in computer technical service and sales expertise began in 1958 as a field engineer for National Cash Register for nearly 23 years, where his “If I can’t fix it, it ain’t broke,” personified mentality gave him the “Boy Wonder” nickname. 1980 to 1988, he was the technical and computing manager for Capital Bank where he installed and supported mainframe computer systems on five continents. With this international experience, he then became a senior account rep for Racal Datacom for nearly 11 years. From 1999 onward, he was regional sales director for Digital Communications and a contract sales rep for USACI. Three different retirements exemplify Jay’s never stop personality.

Jay had a dynamic and charismatic personality with a love and zest for life.  A lifelong passion for cars, in the mid 60’s Jay competed in NHRA, Top Fuel dragsters. From his 1950 Mercury, 1967 Corvette, to his 1973 Mercedes 450SL and 1979 El Camino, Jay loved cars and the many friends he made around them.

With a huge passion for music, he purchased the old Anchor Inn on False River, creating “Makin' Music on the River” as a venue for large outdoor shows that included the best local and national entertainers, even writing a song or two himself. From his lifelong friends of Istrouma High, drag racing buddies and weekly breakfasts with close pals, his life revolved around people. From Cruisin’ the Coast, to cruising with Delbert McClinton, Jay loved life, people and fun!

Jay is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Marie Southwick, Leigh Anne Watson, Tomi Watson Bartel, son-in-law (whom he called “Saint Paul”) Paul Bartel, step daughter, Ashley Taylor, stepson, Shane Burkett (Nikki), sister, JoAnn Fancher Wilson, brother, William Watson (Karen), grandchildren, Brandon Boudreaux (Kirby), Ethan Bartel (Lexi), Grace Bartel, Blaine Burkett, Ava Church (Jacob), Brock Burkett, Brooke Burkett, great grandchildren, Kylie Brown, Brixton Boudreaux, Stella Church, and mother-in-law Marian Robillard.

Jay is preceded in death by the love of his life, dance partner, and wife of 24 years, Cheryl Ann Robillard Watson, father, Alan R Watson Sr., mother, Dorothea Hibernia Montoli Watson, brother, Alan R Watson Jr. and stepson, Jason Burkett.

Pallbearers are Brandon Boudreaux, Ethan Bartel, Murrell Wilson, Aaron Watson, Blane Burkett, and Brock Burkett.

The family of Jay Watson wished to extend our sincere thanks to the staff at OLOL, Personal Homecare Services and Pinnacle Health for their help and support these last months.  We cannot thank Niki, Brenda, Deana and Richelle enough for the love and care they provided for Jay.

Services are Friday, October 7th at Resthaven in Baton Rouge. Visitation is from 12:30pm until services at 2:30pm, followed by interment.