RICHMOND—Harry Lee Watson III, born November 19, 1935, in Charleston, W.Va., to Harry Lee Watson Jr. of Richmond and Susan Mitchell Yancey of Mays Lick, Ky., passed away peacefully on October 5, 2026.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, “The Love of his Life,” Barbara Booth Watson.
He is survived by his daughter, Susan Watson Congrove (Brian); sons, Harry Lee Watson IV (Lynne), William Booth Watson (Jane) and Robert Yancey Watson; seven grandchildren, Braxton, Brian (Lauren), Barbara Landon, Harry Lee (Jayden), Carter, Alden (Shane) and Booth; two great-grandchildren, Watson and Macon; and his brother, William Carter Watson of Clarksburg, W.Va.
Harry was raised in Whiteville, N.C., by his aunt and uncle, Dr. and Mrs. William Hume Hoskins, after the early death of his parents. He attended Whiteville High School followed by Campbell Jr. College in Buies Creek, N.C.
He then went on to attend the College of William & Mary, where he met his future wife, Barbara Booth. Harry left William & Mary for a two-year Army enlistment in Japan. He returned to William & Mary in 1956 and married Barbara. Harry finished his education at NC State University, where he received degrees in mechanical engineering and heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration.
Harry moved to Satellite Beach, Fla., and worked at Cape Canaveral for PAN AM’s Guided Missel Range Division. He moved to Charlotte, N.C., to open a sales office for Sporlan Valve Company, a refrigeration controls manufacturer. Harry later moved to Richmond to help in his wife’s family business, Booth Refrigeration Supply Co., where he retired as president in 1996.
He loved spending time at his getaway on Dividing Creek, “the River,” gardening, fishing and boating. His favorite vacation of the year was going to the beach with his family and friends, who he considered “his extended family.” Harry enjoyed hunting, some of his memorable trips were hunting quail in southern Georgia, pheasant in South Dakota and dove shooting in Water View and in North Carolina. Other interests were playing golf at Stonehenge Country Club in Midlothian and Golden Eagle Golf Club in Irvington, flying as a private pilot, playing handball and racquet ball with his Downtown Richmond YMCA friends and enjoying NC State Wolfpack football games.
Traveling with Barbara and long-time friends was special to Harry. He and Barbara traveled to many countries during their marriage. Harry met many good people while at trade association meetings and work conventions that turned into life-long friends.
Holidays were special to Harry. He enjoyed hosting neighborhood Christmas parties, New Year’s Day Black-eyed Pea parties and several pig cooks over the years. Harry was very proud of his “Harry Lee’s Special Spice” seasoning—a top secret recipe.
“I was so lucky to have had a wonderful wife, family and life-long friends during my life. Remember me in your heart, your thoughts and your memories.”
The family will receive friends from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, October 15, at the Central Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 3215 Cutshaw Avenue, Richmond. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 16, in Hollywood Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Downtown Richmond YMCA or Richmond SPCA.
