Terry Wayne Watson Sr.'s Obituary
Terry Wayne Watson, Sr. age 67, left this earth to be with the Lord on Friday, December 26, 2025, at his home in Bronson, FL, surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. He was born to Willie Eborn Watson (retired US Navy/ Forestry Dept) and Laura Nell Miller in Ancon, Canal Zone at the Gorgas Hospital on Monday, September 22, 1958.
He married the love of his life and soulmate Sheryl (his bride) on April 11, 1981, in Gainesville, FL. He was a retired framing carpenter for over 35 years building quality homes in Gainesville to Steinhatchee and surrounding areas for Roebuck Construction.
His Watson roots are in Gulf Hammock, FL where he learned from his grandparents and special uncles and aunts the process of growing sugar cane to make cane syrup for thanksgiving for generations to date to include his grandchildren. He learned family values and found love in the care of his family. He so loved Christmas and could hardly wait to decorate. He loved an abundance of lights and time with his family. He loved saltwater fishing in Cedar Key, FL, where he spent his childhood following his grandpa and father as they threw hand made cast nets and he would collect the catch of the day in hopes of a Watson Family Fish Fry.
He was always close to nature enjoying the yard birds and loved all animals, tame and wild. He had a special way with our loving dog “Farley” and was like Dr. Dolittle! He was the STAR pitcher #23 for the Dunnellon High School Baseball Team, winning team trophies until he graduated in 1977.
Although he loved his wife of over 44 years and his son and grandchildren, he was so proud of his Classic 2004 Chevrolet Silverado Step-Side pickup truck. He took care of it so that it still looked new. His favorite football team was the Miami U. Hurricanes although his wife’s roots are for the Florida Gators.
Most of all he loved his family and spending quality time making special memories with his two grandsons, Jackson Watson and Elias Cortes, and granddaughter, Jamie Lynn Watson. All that knew and loved him out of respect called him “Mr. Terry.” Kids took to him immediately as he just had a special way with them.
He loved his country oldies and classic 50’s music. After he married his wife, Sheryl, she introduced him to a large variety of music. She taught him the history of Gainesville by taking him to UF Campus Art Gallery, museums, and concerts, hoping he would be a dedicated Florida Gator. He still chose Miami University. But they still watched football games together, betting on the scores!
Terry is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Sheryl A. Horton Watson. His son, Terry W. Watson, Jr. (Liz) of Gainesville, FL. Three grandchildren, Jackson Levi Watson (Trenton, FL), Jamie Lynn Watson (Newberry, FL), and Elias Cortes (Gainesville, FL). His mother, three brothers, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is the third born son of the first-born Watson out of seven children born to Will T. and Laura Watson (deceased). He is preceded in death by his father and two of the six uncles, leaving him to be close to the uncles he was raised with in Gulf Hammock, FL.
The Celebration of Life for Terry will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Wekiva Run Baptist Church located at 4430 S.E. Country Road 326 in Gulf Hammock, FL. Officiating will be Pastor Christopher Owens and Rev. Billy Keith, Sr. The interment will be private at a later date. Please dress comfortably, as Terry would have wanted."
Terry, his wife, and son request that donations be made to the following three charities/ organizations that meant so much to him, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org/donate, Haven foundation to benefit Hospice Care for patients and families, https://havenhospice.com/donate, and Water for LIFE as seen on Life Today, https://waterforlifecharity.org/donate/, building water wells and providing clean drinking water to areas that reach: Ukraine, Africa, India, Haiti, Mexico, and other regions, to help save the life of children.
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