Francis Carroll Watson

Francis Carroll Watson, 78, passed away at his home in Tallahassee, Florida, after a 25-year battle with cancer, on February 14, 2018. Born September 27, 1939, in Havana, Florida, Francis was graduated from Leon High School in 1957. Francis, a life-long resident of Tallahassee, served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve for eighteen years. He also worked in the field of vocational-technical education, both as a teacher at Lively Vocational-Technical School and, later, as an employee of the Florida Department of Education. Predeceased by his brother Johnny Watson, his sister Charlotte Watson Kelley, and his half-sister Jean Watson Harris, Francis Watson is survived by his wife Jane Gardner; by his brother Joe Watson (and wife Sandy) of Lynn Haven, Florida; by his daughter Stacey Suzanne Watson of Franklin, Tennessee; by his son Timothy Andrew Watson (and wife Katherine) of New York, New York; by his sister-in-law Marsha Watson and brother-in-law Collins Kelley, as well as Eileene Parker (mother of Stacey Suzanne and Timothy Andrew Watson); by his step-daughter Gail Steinkuehler (and husband Eric and daughter Sarah) of Tallahassee, Florida; by his step-daughter Wendy Evans (and husband Ronald, Jr. and children Ronald III, Jonathan, Nicholas, and Matthew) of Thomasville, Georgia; and by his step-daughter Meg Henry (and husband Jason and children Heather, Cole and Miles) of Blythewood, South Carolina. Survivors also include nephews Mike Frederick, Brad Frederick, Bill Harris, Walt Harris, Danny Lewis, Matt Watson, Michael Watson, Heath Watson, and Josh Watson. Nieces include Michelle Watson Beekman, Becky Watson, Ashley Watson Shriver and Barbara Harris Ross. A beloved husband and devoted father, Francis was also a dedicated parishioner at The Episcopal Church of the Advent and at St. John’s Episcopal Church, serving at various times as lay-reader, vestry member, and sexton. He enjoyed doing volunteer work, particularly with Grace Mission, the Man to Man Mentors (a program of the America Cancer Society), and Leon High School’s Class of ’57. Perhaps most of all, Francis will be remembered by family and friends for his kindness, humility and quick wit. Funeral services, including an offering of Holy Communion, will be held at 11:00 o’clock in the morning on March 3, 2018, at The Episcopal Church of the Advent, located at 815 Piedmont Drive, Tallahassee, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Episcopal Church of the Advent, 815 Piedmont Drive, Tallahassee, Florida 32312. Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements. (www.bevisfh.com 850-385-2193)

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Francis Carroll Watson

September 27, 1939 - February 14, 2018