OBITUARY: Kenneth Lionel ‘Kenny’ Watson

Mr. Kenneth Lionel “Kenny” Watson, age 63, of Charlotte, Tennessee died December 9, 2022 at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Kenneth Lionel Watson (Kenny) was born on December 3rd, 1959, at Freeman Hospital in Washington, D.C., to Howard and Lavern (Peggy) Watson.

He was the fifth born of seven children. Beginning his childhood in La Plata, Maryland, then later moving to Brandywine, Maryland, Kenny was a quiet child who often stayed to himself and out of trouble. As a child, Kenny was an extremely hard worker who stayed busy. He began working in his grandfather’s, Galentine Watson, tobacco field at eight years old. After graduating from Gwynn Park High School in 1976, he landed a job as an apprentice for a local plumber.

On May 5th, 1982, he became a Department of Defense federal employee, working for the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C. Kenny’s successful career progression was attributed to his high intelligence, strong work ethic, self-discipline, and willingness to help others. Within his 32 years of service to the federal government, he rapidly advanced in the following positions: Plumber, Pipefitter, Work Leader, Supervisor, Supervisor of Emergency Services, Requirements Liaison, Facilities Operations Specialist, and finally, Facilities Operations Branch Head. On December 3rd, 2014, Kenny retired from his federal government service with many accolades, awards, achievements, and acknowledgments.

As Kenny began to build his professional career, he also began to develop his family life. Kenny met Linda Grace Gilbert in September of 1982 at Iverson Mall in Maryland. They later married on May 15th, 1987. In 1988, they bought their first home in La Plata, Maryland. They began building a life together, raising five children: Robert Marc, LyKendra Jané, Terrence Jamal, Katrina Avette, and Patrick Christopher.

Kenny always put his family above all. Fatherhood became his most outstanding achievement. He supported his children greatly, whether it was coaching a sports team, attending special events, school activities, family trips, and outings such as crabbing, fishing, and bike riding. His love and support extended beyond his immediate family; he was a beloved brother, son, uncle, and cousin. Kenny found great joy in being with all his relatives. A true family man.

In addition to his love of family, Kenny had a love of life. He enjoyed many things, such as baseball, hunting, fishing, crabbing, bike riding, motorcycling, and traveling on the open road.

One of Kenny’s most beloved hobbies was helping others; he was a masterfully skilled handyman. His skills included plumbing, electrical work, construction, home improvement/remodeling, deck building, landscaping, and automotive repairs. He used his skills to serve the Greater Southern Maryland Community. Well known for his tradesmen skills, he was often highly sought after and always dependable. He was a valued asset to his family, friends, and community; he was often seen with a wrench in one hand and a Pepsi in the other. A true jack of all trades.

In his later years, Kenny grew interested in forming a personal relationship with the Almighty Jehovah God. He began to study the Bible, participated in field ministry, became a part of the theocratic school, and was baptized in June of 2015. He maintained his faith and service in the ministry and was a beloved member of the congregation.

After his retirement and baptism, he and his wife, Linda, moved to Charlotte, Tennessee, where he continued his life as a grandfather. He furthered his service to the people of Dickson County, Tennessee. Kenny passed away on December 9th, 2022.

Kenny was predeceased by his father, Howard Watson Sr., and his sister, Constance Watson.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Linda Watson; his children: Robert (Nichelle), LyKendra, Terrence (LaToya), Katrina, and Patrick; his ten grandchildren: Rhys, Josiah, Tori, Jeremiah, Savion, Lalah, Calvin, Jace, Jaydis, and Amayah; his mother Lavern (Peggy) Watson, his three brothers: Howard Watson Jr., Christopher Watson, and Wendell Watson; his three sisters: Phyllis McCrory, Bridgette Watson, and Angela Spinner; his brothers-in-law: William Gilbert, Joseph Gilbert, and Marvin Spinner; his sisters-in-law: Della Bryant, Serina Gilbert and Valerie Watson; his sister-in-love: Latrell Watson; and eight nieces, twelve nephews, and a host of cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, December 22. 2022 at 11:00 a.m. from the Chapel of the Taylor Funeral Home. Tony Daggett will give his eulogy and others of the Kingdom Hall will assist. Place of rest will be in the Vanleer Cemetery, the Gilbert annex, in the Promise Land Community. Visitation will be on Wednesday between the hours of 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Thursday beginning at 10:00 a.m. until time of service. http://taylorsince1909.com

For more obituaries visit https://dicksoncountysource.com/obituaries/

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