Ronald Eugene Watson

To our friends and families, in an effort to ensure the health and safety of everyone during this challenging time, and minimize the spread of COVID-19, we ask that all adhere to the precautions and guidelines established for attendance at the funeral home (mandatory masks) and (masks) at graveside services and practicing social distancing.  Anyone who exhibits symptoms please show your support by sending flowers and words of comfort to the family.

Ronald Eugene Watson, Sr. entered eternal rest on Wednesday, October 7, 2020. He was born in Bamberg, SC on July 7, 1956 to the late Lawrence and Marian McMillan Watson.    

He attended Horry County Schools. He obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Music Education from Claflin University, Orangeburg, SC; a master’s degree in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music, Chicago, IL; a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study degree in School Administration from Cambridge College, Cambridge, MA; and a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Cambridge College, Cambridge, MA.

At an early age, he joined Cherry Hill Missionary Baptist Church. He faithfully served in the Army and Marine Corps. He worked as an adjunct professor at Paul D. Camp Community College and Horry Georgetown Technical College. In June 2020, he retired from Marion County Schools as a music educator.  He was an active member of Epsilon Beta Beta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. 

Ron’s first professional musical experiences were with the Marine Corps Field Band and Army Field Band. He also performed in various musical genres throughout the United States and abroad. Most recently he performed with Gary Lowder and The Smokin’ Hot Band. He was a gifted saxophonist and writer.  His original pieces were “Zarya”, “Stay Together”, “Song for Mikiera” and “The One”.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted wife, Theresa V. Watson, two daughters: Nykida Haskins of Wilmington, NC and Marian Watson of Charlotte, NC; one step-daughter, Jade Seymore of Miami, FL; one son, Ronald E. Watson, Jr of Myrtle Beach, SC; two granddaughters and two grandsons; one sister, Carolyn Brackat of Conway, SC; one brother, Lawrence Bandele (Baseemah) of  Atlanta, GA; mothers-in-law, Florence Tynes of Newport News, VA, and Viola S. Atkins of Smithfield, VA; three sisters-in-law, Stephanie Tynes of Newport News, VA; Jacqueline Tynes of Hampton, VA, and Malinda Listenbee (Ulton) of Madison, AL two brothers-in-law, James Tynes of Newport News, VA, and Steven Tynes of Newport News, VA; one aunt, Marcelette Snell of Floral Park, New York; four uncles, Dwight McMillan (Margie) Orangeburg, SC, Charles McMillan of Bamberg, SC, Clarence McMillan (Carrie) of Bamberg, SC and Robert Riggins (Catherine) of Myrtle Beach, SC and two aunts-in-law Barbara McMillan and Dazra McMillan, and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.