Ret. Battalion Chief William E. Watson, 87, of Columbus, Georgia died Wednesday, August 10, 2022 .

Funeral services with Columbus Fire and EMS Honors will be held 4:00 P.M. Sunday, August 14, 2022 in the Chapel of McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory with Chaplain Mark Burnett officiating. A private interment will be held in Parkhill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the funeral home 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

Mr. Watson was born December 25, 1934 in Columbus, Georgia son of the late Ollie Watson and Eldora Foster Watson. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of Epworth United Methodist Church in Phenix City, Al. and a graduate of Baker High School. During his military career, Mr. Watson was a member of U.S. Army softball team as a pitcher and catcher. After leaving the Army, Mr. Watson played softball for various teams and retired after 30 years as a Battalion Chief with the Columbus Fire and EMS.  Mr. Watson also served 5 years as a City Councilman for the Columbus Consolidated Government.

Other than his parents, Mr. Watson was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ray Watson and his brothers, Jimmy Watson and Donald Watson.

Survivors include his son Bryan Watson and his wife Kimberly Morrison Watson of Talbotton, Georgia and his grandson, Cody Watson and his wife Kimberly Oliver Watson of Hogansville Ga.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Columbus Hospice 7020 Moon Road Columbus, Georgia 31909 or www.columbushospice.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ret. Battalion Chief William E. Watson, please visit our floral store.