Lawrence Watson

Lawrence Watson, age 82, passed away surrounded by family, on Friday, July 31, 2026, at his home in Whiteville, TN.  Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at the Harmony Baptist Church, with Bro. Jon Bell and Bro. Grover Westover officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Monday, August 3, 2026, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home, with an additional visitation Tuesday, August 4, 2026, from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM prior to the services at the Church.

Lawrence was born on April 14, 1944, to Joe and Martha Johnson Watson in Haywood County.  Spending time with his family brought him his greatest joy.  When he wasn't spending time with his two dogs, Little Bit and Buster, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.  One of his favorite pastimes was building furniture. 

He is survived by his son: James Watson (Rebecca) of Brownsville, TN; daughters: Susan Denise Moody (Charlie) of Hillville, TN, Peggy Jean Maxie (Scott) of Sand Hill, MS; bonus daughters: Janet Edmonds (Tony), Anita Berry (Tom) and Debra Rogers (Richard); sister: Kathy Doering (Bill) of Brownsville, TN; grandchildren: Charles Moody (Sunnie), Ryan Watson (Haley), Amber Moody, Amanda Watson (Tate Welch), Mystica Maxie and Alease Maxie; and great grandchildren: Kasey, Remington and Waylon.  Lawrence was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Mamie Sue Watson; parents: Joe and Martha Johnson Watson; brothers: Sonny Watson and Billy Watson; and sisters: Jean Long and Phyllis Hughes.

Pallbearers for the service will be Tony Edmonds, Roger Cowan, Chris McBride, Paul Benard, Danny Austin and Matthew Edmonds.

Honorary Pallbearers are Richard Rogers and Charles Moody.

Lawrence will be missed by his family and all that had the honor of knowing him.  The family requests memorials be made to Poplar Corner Baptist Church, P.O. Box 376, 1010 Boyd Ave., Brownsville, TN 38012 or Harmony Baptist Church, c/o of Tommy Welch, 1188 Hillville Loop, Whiteville, TN 38075.  All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.