Obituary of Hobert McKinley Watson

Hobert McKinley Watson, age 81, of US Highway 421 North, Vilas, passed away Wednesday evening, April 17, 2019 at the Johnson City Medical Center in Johnson City, Tennessee. The last of thirteen brothers and sisters, Hobert was born in Ashe County to Noah and Eva Church Watson. He was a member of Brushy Fork Baptist Church. Mr. Watson retired as Police Chief from the Beech Mountain Police Department and also served in law enforcement with the Boone Police Department and the Watauga County Sheriffs Office. Hobert and Jewel enjoyed traveling the country together. He never met a stranger, enjoyed meeting new people and loved to collect friends. Hobert is survived by his sons, Mickey Watson and wife, Kelly, of Clearwater, Florida, and Tim Watson and wife, Alisa, of Sugar Grove; granddaughters, Jenny Peele of Boone and Kristi Ogren and husband, Chris, of Hudson; grandsons, Josh Watson and wife, Emily, of Troutman and William Watson and wife, Daryan, of Mountain City, Tennessee. Six great-grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death his wife, Jewel Hayes Watson, his parents, and siblings. Memorial services for Hobert Watson will be conducted Saturday afternoon, April 20, 2019 at 2 oclock at Brushy Fork Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor John Mark Brown, Rev. Toby Oliver and Tom Redmond. The family will receive friends From noon until 2 oclock, prior to services, at the church. Burial will be private. The family respectfully requests no flowers and suggests memorials to the Adams Cemetery Fund, in care of Jerry Greer, 3549 Old 421 South, Boone, NC 28607 or to Shriner Hospitals for Children, in care of Randy Vines, 1005 George Wilson Rd., Boone, NC 28607. Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Watson family.