Harold "Papa" Watson

Harold “Papa” Wayne Watson, 78, went to be with our Lord on Monday, August 23, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 25, 2021, at Pleasant View Baptist Church in Bridgeport with burial to follow in Thomas Cemetery. Family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Church.

Bro. Gary Demmitt will officiate. Pallbearers are to include, Jim Jones, Bryan Krause, Casey Selby, Dan Reasoner, Kyle Green, Cole Selby, Oscar Cannaday, and Deven Washington. Honorary Pallbearers are Jarrod Montford, Cason Jordan and James David Green.

Harold was born on May 20, 1943, to Oscar and Gladys Watson in Bridgeport, Texas. He was a lifelong resident of Wise County and loved his community. Harold attended school in Chico and he proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1965-1967, with 13 months of that time being on the DMZ in Korea. Harold was united in marriage to the love of his life Dorothy Mae (Green) Wiggins on May 8, 1981, in Ryan, Oklahoma. He worked for TXI in Chico and Boonsville, Texas and Mill Creek, Oklahoma for 47 years and retired at 66 years old in 2009. He was a member of the Chico Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years and was a member of Pleasant View Baptist Church for 40 years serving on various committees of Building and Finance along with serving on the original pastor search committee calling Bro Gary Demmitt.

He was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Gladys Watson; his sisters, Bonnie Green and husband Robert “Bo”, Lois Morrow and husband V.L., Mary Reasoner and husband James.

Those left behind to carry on his legacy are his wife of 40 years, Dorothy Watson of Bridgeport; his son, Wendell Wiggins and wife Whitney of Sunset; his daughter, Shayne Wiggins Jones and husband Jim of Chico; his beloved grandchildren, Kyle and Dee Green of Decatur, Tiffany and Deven Washington of Bridgeport, Casey and Chelsi Selby of Decatur, Vicki and Oscar Cannaday of Bridgeport, Cole Selby of Denton, Brittney Selby of Alvord, Jim and Tessa Jones of Fate TX, Bobby Lynn and Brad Boudreaux of The Woodlands, and Bryan and Shelby Krause of Moore OK; his cherished great-grandchildren, Ava, Madison, Stratton, Hunter, Emily, McKenzie, Woodrow, Aubrey, Allie, Autumn, Piper, Beaux, Ezra, and Hallie;  his brother, Leon Watson and wife Linda of DeSoto; and his sister, Reba Nell Leake and husband Jack of Decatur; numerous extended family members, nieces, nephews, a host of good friends and neighbors.

Harold was a mentor to so many.  Over the last few days as friends and family have gathered story after story has been told.  From young to old, they have shared the impact Harold has had on their lives.  He took chances on men who were a little on the green side and helped them become men who were passionate about a job well done that stood for values and ethics.

A man of few words, with a calm demeanor who could speak volumes by pointing and shaking that finger at you.  He did not have to speak in anger, it was far worse just to know you disappointed him than anything he could say.  The world would be a better place with more men like Harold in it. He was our rock.  He had wisdom for anyone in any situation. Harold was patient, respectful, and kind. He showed us what unconditional love is when he married the love of his life that came as a package deal with two kids. It didn’t stop there; he opened his heart to grandkids and great grandkids alike. Not to mention the numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews too.

If you knew Harold, you knew; he liked to ride motorcycles, go mountain climbing, and scuba diving. His favorite food was rice. Just making sure you are paying attention. We all know he loved fishing, staying at the lake house, he loved fishing, chewing cigars, he loved fishing, gardening, fishing, going to Vegas for the National Finals Rodeo, fishing. You get the point.

In lieu of flowers if you are so inclined, you may donate to the Pleasant View Baptist Church Building Fund, 886 County Road 1326, Bridgeport, Texas 76426 in Harold’s honor.

Hawkins Funeral Home ~ Bridgeport

940-683-2211

www.hawkinsfuneralhome.com