Raymond Allen Watson

Raymond Allen Watson, 77, of College Station, passed peacefully from his worldly life on Tuesday, March 21, at his home. Visitation will be on Friday, March 24, from 5:00-7:00, at Brazos Valley Church of Christ. Services will be Saturday, March 25, at 1:00, at A&M Church of Christ. Burial will follow at the Wellborn Cemetery.

Raymond was born on June 8, 1945, in Longview, Texas, to Joseph “J.C.” and Gladys Watson. He attended Texas A&M University and was a trumpet player in the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education (1968) and later a Master of Science in Industrial Education (1983). While he was a student at TAMU, he met the love of his life, Barbara Parsons, and they married in 1969. Ray and Barbara moved to Cypress, Texas, where Ray taught woodshop at Bleyl Middle School and Arnold Junior High in the Cypress-Fairbanks School District. Two of their daughters, Tammy, and Rebecca, were born in Houston. The family moved back to College Station in 1974, and their third daughter, Rae Anne, completed the family in 1975. Raymond worked in construction for a few years before returning to the classroom at A&M Consolidated High School. There he taught Building Trades and other vocational skills classes. His students built 2 homes in the Southwood Valley area and other projects such as picnic tables for some of the schools. In 1987, he moved to College Station Middle School and taught woodshop and technology classes. Raymond retired from CSISD in 2011. He served as a teacher for nearly 40 years.

Raymond was also a faithful servant of God. He served as both a deacon and elder at Cavitt Church of Christ, an elder at A&M Church of Christ, and was one of the first men to serve as an elder at Brazos Valley Church of Christ. He was active as a song leader, Bible class teacher, and general handy man. After the death of his beloved Barbara and his retirement from teaching, he could be found participating in an early morning Bible study at either McDonald’s or Whataburger.

One of Raymond’s favorite hobbies was anything related to cars. He enjoyed drag racing, NASCAR, car shows, and tinkering around with anything automotive related. He and his wife also enjoyed raising Hereford cattle on their property. Ray also had a special affinity for neckties. Although he was a shop teacher, he wore a tie to work each day, and he had enough so that he could wear a different tie every day of the school year.

Although he loved his wife and children, his grandchildren, Taylor and Madison, held a special place in Gran’s heart. One of their favorite songs was “A White Sport Coat.” He attended as many of their activities as he could.

Raymond is preceded in death by Barbara Parsons Watson, his love of 40 years; their daughter, Tammy St. Clair; grandson, Raymond Dean St. Clair; father, J.C. Watson; and brother, Richard Watson. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Steven Johnson of Godley, Texas; grandchildren Taylor Johnson and fiance’ Sarah Gunter of The Colony, Texas; Madison Johnson and fiance’ Tristen Goodwin of Longiew, Texas; daughter and son-in-law Rae Anne and Clark Pennington of College Station, Texas; son-in-law Darrell St. Clair and wife, Donna, of Bryan, Texas; and his “adopted” daughter and son-in-law, Lou Ellen and Jim Dozier of Bryan, Texas. He is survived by his mother, Gladys Watson, of College Station/Hilltop Lakes, Texas; sister, Sandra Harvey (husband, Jim) of Hockley, Texas; sister-in-law, Jane Watson, of Forney, Texas; brother, Rodney Watson (wife, Barbara) of Fort Worth, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Flowers are welcome. Please make memorial contributions to the charity of your choice. Express condolences at www.callawayjones.com.