Jerry E. Watson

A Service of Remembrance for Jerry E. Watson, 82, of Columbia, will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Riverland Hills Baptist Church, 201 Lake Murray Blvd, Irmo, South Carolina, 29603. Reverend Bill Haselden will be officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the church. Jerry was born on July 23, 1940, to the late Dewey and Hazel Watson in Rome, Georgia. He passed away on September 9, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Jerry was a longtime member of Riverland Hills Baptist Church and Gideons International. He earned a Bachelor’s in Science from Shorter College and a Master’s Degree from Clemson University. He retired from DHEC after 31 years of loyal service. Jerry was a life member of Ducks Unlimited and stayed actively involved with state and local chapters, reflecting his full commitment to environmental preservation. He was a fan of motorsports and a former member of the SCCA. Known as a true gentleman, Jerry was noted for his wit, and his keen sense of humor, and was well-loved and admired by his peers. Family-focused with a huge heart, he was an extremely loving and supportive husband, father, and grandfather. Those left to mourn his loss include his loving wife of 60 years, Vivian Watson; their three daughters: Lori Dowdell (Joe), Beth Crawford (Mitch), and Jana Langhals (Joel); and eight grandchildren: Ellen and Rachel Dowdell, Collin, Mary Beth, and Cameron Crawford, and Sarah, Matthew, and William Langhals. The family would also like to extend their gratitude to the dedicated staff of the Lowman Home for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to the Riverland Hills Baptist Church, Benevolence Fund, Attn: Financial Dept., 201 Lake Murray Blvd, Irmo, SC, 29063, or to Columbia Ducks Unlimited, 1522 Belmont Dr, Columbia, SC, 29205.