Obituary of Homer Jackson Watson

H. Jack Watson passed away on Friday, February 26, 2016. He was born in Macon, GA, on July 15, 1921. He grew up in Macon, which he always thought of as his hometown, and graduated from Mercer University. He served in World War II in the Army Air Force on a B17 and as an Army artillery officer in the Korean War. After that, he worked for the Red Cross, stationed in Green Cove Springs, FL, where he met his future wife, Agnes “Aggie” Chalker. He taught Algebra at Lakeshore Jr. High School for 17 years. He left to work for Peninsular Life Insurance Company where he retired as the corporate secretary. He loved Orange Park, FL, where he made his home for over 60 years. He was always involved in his community. He and Aggie were members of the Orange Park Presbyterian Church where they were longtime, active leaders. He served as the Chairman of the Clay County Fair in 1999 and got to know every vendor there. He loved everything about the fair and enjoyed renewing his friendships with the fair folks every year. He was President of the Clay County division of the Cancer Society and served on its board for several years. He was an active member of the Orange Park Rotary Club and was selected for the honor of “Man of the Year” for the club. His loving mother, Agnes Wood Watson, predeceased him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Aggie; son, Duncan (Susan) Newkirk, and daughter, Trisha (Matt) Holland; grandchildren, Duncan (Kylie) Newkirk, Susan (Jonathan) Wilson, and Aubrey (Hannah) Holland; eight great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was a true Southern Gentleman and loved people, including his family, his church, Rotary, and his golfing buddies. He never met a stranger and his friends were his friends for life. He always met his challenges with hope and optimism until the very end. A memorial service is planned for Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. at Orange Park Presbyterian Church, 1905 Park Avenue, Orange Park, FL 32073. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or the Orange Park Presbyterian Church. Aaron and Burney Bivens Funeral Home, (904) 264-1233, is serving the family.