KILMARNOCK—Thomas Spence Watson, a beloved father, brother, husband and grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home in Kilmarnock, after a courageous battle with cancer, on October 11, 2023, at the age of 79.
Tom was born in Washington, D.C., on May 31, 1944, the middle son of James Goodrich Watson and Anna Elizabeth “Betty” Wolstencroft. He was a graduate from Woodstock Union High School in 1962 and went on to serve in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1966 to 1969. He was a devout Christian and a member of Coan Baptist Church. For his final act of civil duty, he was elected town councilman in November 2022.
Tom had many interests in life that included gardening, golfing, music and baking. He loved nature and all its beauty. Hummingbirds would feed from his hands and squirrels would take peanuts from him. A testament to his loving soul that even wild creatures could feel his love and knew of his gentle soul.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Eric Steele Watson.
He leaves his beloved wife of 52 years, Jeannie Browning Watson; his brother, James William “Bing” Watson (Jeanne); a stepmother, Hilde Kastl Watson; a stepbrother, Evan Watson (Sara); and two half siblings Cheryl Anne Dudley and Scotty Dudley. He also leaves behind his three beloved daughters, Robin Gagliardo (Mike), Angi Paulraj (Glenn) and Serena Toia (Eric). He was blessed with six grandchildren, Richard Thomas Headley “RT”, Cody Fitzwater, Spence Garrity, Madison Garrity, Gabriel Paulraj and Skylar Paulraj; as well as one great-granddaughter, Madison Headley; and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 21, at Coan Baptist Church, 2068 Coan Stage Road, Heathsville.
For those who cannot attend the service, we will be live streaming from the church. Please visit Coan Baptist Church on Facebook Saturday, October 21st at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers we ask that you honor Tom by donating to one of his favorite charities, Samaritan’s Purse (samaitanspurse.org).
