William Watson

Captain William O. “Billy” Watson

Billy, 88, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on Friday, December 6, 2019 due to heart failure. He was born in Natchez, Mississippi where he had many fond memories of growing up with his large family and attending school at Cathedral High. He joined the military in 1950 and became a proud Army Ranger.  After military service, he returned to Natchez where his sister Betty introduced him to the love of his life, Shirley Lewis. They were married for 66 years  Billy enjoyed a long and successful career in the maritime industry.  He was a member of the New Orleans Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association.  Captain Billy was known as a hard worker, a mentor, and a friend who was happy to lend a helping hand.  He retired after many years of service at age 70. Billy’s greatest joy was his family.  He was kind, generous, and dependable, often known to show up, Mary Lee Donuts in hand, offering support to his children and their families.  He loved to gather his family and friends around a barbecue grill or jambalaya pot and share stories of days gone by. Together with his wife Shirley, Billy enjoyed the blessing of 14 great-grandchildren. He impacted many lives and will be greatly missed. In addition to his wife, Shirley, Billy is survived by his children, Susan Watson Pecue (Henry), Margaret Watson, William O. “Bud” Watson, III (Ronda), Christine “Tina” Watson Walker (Lyle); grandchildren, Brandy Jones (Gary), Henry Pecue III (Betty), Michael Pecue, Allison Frey (Lane), Charles Walker (Alicia), William O. Watson IV (Jessica), Jerry Falgoust (Cherie), Melissa Fleming (Blake), Matthew Walker (Tiffany), Kathryn Watson, Christian Walker (Kate), and Garrett Watson. He is survived by his sisters, Patsy Watson, Judi Jarreau, and Suzie Dendy (Billy Joe). Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Captain William O. Watson and Lucille Taylor Watson; siblings, Betty Henderson, Jimmy Watson, Sammy Watson, Robert Watson, and Mike Watson; and his great grandson, Henry Pecue IV.   Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Captain Gary Hill, and Captain David Shirah. Funeral services will be held at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy, Baton Rouge, Tuesday, December 10, 2019.  Visitation will be from 9:00 am until services at 11:00 am.  Entombment will follow in Resthaven Gardens of Memory. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Carl Luikart and his staff for many years of care.  Special thanks to the kind and compassionate caregivers who helped Billy deal with the effects of Lewy Body Dementia at The Blake at The Grove and St. Joseph Hospice.