Rev. Choice E. Watson

Rev. Choice E. Watson, 85, widower of Grace Hinson Watson, died January 2, 2018 at Magnolia Manor. A native of Lyman, SC, he was a son of the late John and Ruth Hatcher Watson, a graduate of Luther Rice Seminary and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, U.S. Army and National Guard Veteran of 30 years and a member of the Irving Southworth Masonic Lodge. Rev. Watson pastored for 25 years, and served at Lyman First Baptist (associate pastor), Calvary Baptist in Lyman, Mitford Baptist in Great Falls, Bath First Baptist, Arcadia Baptist in Spartanburg, Wayside Baptist in Startex, Mount Pleasant Baptist in Landrum, and ten years as Director of Missions in the North Spartan Baptist Association. He and his wife, Grace, were heavily involved in South Carolina and Southern Baptist Disaster Relief and also served as a volunteer for the American Red Cross. He received the following awards; SCBC E.A. McDowell Award for Exemplary Christian Service, North American Mission Board Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Volunteer Ministry through Disaster Relief and the South Carolina Baptist Convention Disaster Relief Ministry Distinguished Service Award that is named in honor of Choice and Grace Watson and additionally, South Carolina Disaster Relief Task Force Emeritus. Rev. Watson’s life mission was to spread the gospel message of Christ to anyone he came in contact with. He dedicated over half century of his life to the ministry. By the time Choice Watson, former SC Baptist pastor and director of missions, retired in 1997, he had built a library of more than 1,200 books on religion and ministry-related subjects. The collection included his wife’s books on preschool, children, and clowning ministry. He decided to donate his library to North Greenville University because of his belief in the school’s mission. The campus was made aware of the book giveaway and the library and over 100 students, faculty, and staff took advantage of the generous donation. Surviving are one daughter, Peggy Collins (Dennis) of Braselton, GA; three sons, Tommy Watson of Wellford, Billy Watson (Angie) of Tigerville and Brad Watson (Andrea) of Lyman; two sisters, Eulala Pace and Marty Cannon (Jimmy) both of Lyman; eleven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren and two additional great-grandchildren on the way. In addition to his wife, Grace, he was predeceased by two sisters, Kathy Bridwell and Sally Wellman. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 5, 2018 at Inman Mills Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Jack Hames. Burial will follow in Wood Memorial Park with Military Honors. Visitation will be held 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, January 4, 2018, at The Wood Mortuary. Deacons of Inman Mills Baptist Church will serve as pallbearers. Members of the Irving Southworth Masonic Lodge will serve as the Honorary Escort. Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. The family will be at the home of his son, Tommy Watson, 138 Shady Lane Drive, Wellford, SC 29385. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com.

Rev. Choice E. Watson

January 17, 1932 - January 2, 2018