Riley Lee Watson Jr., 69, of Hamlet, passed away Monday, Sept. 18, 2023.
Lee was a son of the late Riley Lee Watson Sr. and Willie Mae Gibson Watson, born Oct. 18, 1953.
Along with his parents, Lee is preceded in death by his sister, Linda Watson Martin; and grandson, Garon Benson.
In Lee’s early life he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and earned the rank of corporal and also served in the National Guard. After his career in the military, Lee became a master carpenter for several years assisting the Richmond County community.
Outside of work, Lee was a passionate runner and was an active member of the Mangum Track Club. He loved to ride on his pontoon boat at Lake Tillery and always loved spending time with his family at Holden Beach. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and owner to his dog Ellie Mae. Lee was a dedicated man to his family, and he will surely be missed.
Lee is survived by his wife, Ginger Miller Watson, of the home, to whom he was married for 35 blissful years. Lee also leaves behind his son, Robert Lee Watson, of South Carolina; grandchildren Tyme Nunn, Avery Watson, Addison Watson, and Jarret Watson. Lee is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.
The family will receive friends for visitation Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet. Funeral services will be held Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Hamlet with Dr. Allison Farrah officiating the service.
In addition to flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made out to St. Jude Children’s Research, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105; or to the Humane Society Richmond County, NC P.O. Box 2064 Rockingham, NC 28380; or Richmond Co. Hospice, 1119 US Hwy. 1 N Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences can be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet is assisting the Watson family in their time of need.
