Jesse W. Watson, Jr.

Jesse W. Watson, age 88, of Harlingen, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2021.  He was born in Houston, Texas on August 18, 1932 to Jesse and Alma Watson.  He served in the U. S. Air Force and, while stationed at Harlingen Air Force Base, he met and married the love of his life, Mary Allen.  Jesse and Mary were married over 64 years.

During his time in the Air Force and as a navigator for Seaboard World Airlines, he had the opportunity to see and explore many parts of the world.  Some of his favorite destinations were Japan, New York, and California.  It was this love of adventure that led him to purchase a bookstore.  He was owner and operator of a local bookstore chain, Books-N-Things, for over 30 years. He was a devoted husband and father and always provided for his family.  He also worked for the post office, Missouri Pacific Railroad for over 20 years, and later as a real estate appraiser.

Jesse was a devout Christian and Deacon of the First Baptist Church of La Feria.

He is predeceased by his parents, Jesse and Alma Watson, and three siblings: Jerome Watson, Wynonna Parrish and Nannie Ola Walling.  He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Allen Watson; 4 children, Jesse Watson III (Celeste), George Watson (Nydia), Mickey Watson (Cyndi), Mary Marshall (Scott); 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held Monday, February 15th at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of La Feria.  In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jesse W. Watson may be made to the Children and Youth Ministries of First Baptist Church, 208 S Main Street, La Feria, TX 78559, or to your favorite charity.

The Watson family would especially like to thank Jesse’s cardiologist, Dr. Donald Roa, MD, and the staff of Sun Valley Healthcare Center for their compassionate care and concern.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home, 1400 W. Business 77, San Benito, TX 78586. www.sanbenitofuneralhome.com 956.361.9192