Lt. Colonel (Retired) Ramon Karel Watson

Ramon “Ray” Karel Watson January 03, 1948 – October 05, 2023 Ramon Karel Watson, 75, of the Wade Community passed away Thursday, October 05, 2023, in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. He was born on January 03, 1948, in Pascagoula. He was preceded in death by his parents Floyd Ramon Watson and Betty Carolyn (Irwin). He joins the love of his life Barbara Carol (Ballinger) Watson. He is survived by his son Philip (Amy) Watson, his sister Celia (Talmadge) Estis, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Ray played football, baseball, basketball, and ran track at Moss Point High School. During high school, he joined the ROTC and received a full scholarship to college. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Southern Mississippi. Ray married Barbara on September 05, 1967. He joined the Army in November of 1970. Ray was stationed in Oklahoma, Germany, Florida, New York, and Kansas. During his military career, he received his Master's of Business Administration from Syracuse University. He travelled to Japan, South Korea, Bangladesh, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Peru, and various locations across the globe on assignment. He retired from the Army after 21 ½ years as a Lieutenant Colonel. After retiring from the military, Ray had worked as a volunteer fire fighter for the Three Rivers and Wade communities. He eventually became the Jackson County Fire District Manager. He helped guide the recovery efforts for Jackson County after Hurricane Katrina. He retired after 12 years of dedicated service to the fire department. Ray taught Sunday School classes first at Escatawpa Baptist and then Wade Baptist Churches. After retirement he found a new hobby in beekeeping. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, gardener, photographer, and golfer. He loved travelling and entertaining guests. Ray will be greatly missed. Ray and Barbara shared an incredible life together for 53 ½ years of marriage. They were inseparable. Their love and devotion to one another knew no bounds. Visitation will be on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at Wade Baptist Church. Viewing will begin at 10:00 followed by the funeral service at 11:00. Reverend David Cumbest is officiating with music leader Mitch Osborne. Interment will follow at Carter Cemetery in George County. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Foundation or The Gary Sinise Foundation in honor of his service to the military and fire department. Honorary Pallbearers are Billy McLeod, Ricky McLeod, Mathew McLeod, Brian McLeod, Mathew Ballinger, Greg Cumbest, Donnie Dueitt, and Steve Rudolph. To share condolences and sign the online register book in Lt. Colonel's memory, please visit www.holderwellsfuneralhome.com. Holder-Wells Funeral Home was honored to serve The Watson Family.

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Lt. Colonel (Retired) Ramon Karel Watson

January 3, 1948 - October 5, 2023