Lane Watson

Lane “Wad” Watson, 86, of Cleveland passed away Friday, August 2, 2019 after a hard fought and courageous battle with cancer. He was the most loving, generous man to everyone around him. Even in the last months of his life he would give everyone a good laugh with his ability to say the entire alphabet backwards in rapid time. He always looked for the brighter side of any situation and was a cup Full kinda man. He was kindhearted and had a soft spot for the homeless and less fortunate. Wad was also a wonderful story teller. He enjoyed watching golf, the Atlanta Braves and Vols football. His favorite pastime was sitting in his truck listening to Gene Watson.

He was born to William Wheeler and Bertie Cross Watson on October 23, 1932 and spent his childhood in Polk County beginning his life on the Watson home place within a stones throw of Sylco Creek and hollering distance to Parksville Lake. One of his favorite childhood memories was when he would make the trips from Sylco to Caney Creek Village, which was up the river and around the mountain with his mother. Once there, he couldn’t resist the urge to swing the bridge even though his mother had his hand. He was the 7th of their 13 children. He attended Slyco School, Benton Elementary, Cookson Creek and Ocoee School and by his first teacher was referred to as her best student. Back in his early adulthood, Wad was often referred to as the best pool player in town.

Other than his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of almost 50 years and the love of his life, Betty J. Ledford Watson; grandparents, Coleman and Angeline Watson and Joe Robert and Lou Dora Duggan Cross; siblings: Grover “Doad” Watson, Frank Watson, Beecher Watson, Nellie Beckler, Betty Maupin, Mayme Groomes, Nealie Yates, Meadie Miller, William Henry Watson; father and mother-in-law, Homer and Gladys Ledford; and grand son-in-law, Stephen Whitmire.

Survivors include his children, Tim Watson and wife Lisa of Benton, Angie Trotter and William of Cleveland, and Verda McHan and John of Dalton; grandchildren: April Miles (Thomas), Amy Whitmire, Amber Terrell (Steven), Tyler Watson (Jill), Haley Lillard (Zachary), Michael Murry (Susan), Angela Bryant, Kendra Turner (Barry), and Daniel Blankenship (Mandy); great grandchildren, who really made his world go round: Gavin Miles, Griffin Milles, Laynee Whitmire, Finnley Terrell, Hayden Lillard, Ethan Murray, Brooke Adams (Rod), Tyler Lindsey, Landon Stafford, River Blankenship, Fisher Blankenship, Asher Lindsey and two additional ones on the way, Reagan Watson and Fletcher Terrell; his remaining siblings and lifelong friends, Bill Watson (JoAnn), Richard Watson (Glenda), and Joyce Wagner (James); sister-in-law, Susie Watson ; and numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.   

The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 5, 2019 in the chapel of Fike Randolph and Son Funeral Home with the Reverend Richard Watson and Pastor Keith Watson officiating. Interment will follow in Cookson Creek Cemetery with Thomas Miles, Steven Terrell, Tyler Watson, Michael Murray, Zachary Lillard, Gavin Miles, and Griffin Miles serving as pallbearers.

His family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home and from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home prior to the service. 

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Watson family guestbook at www.fikefh.com.