William Julian “Bill” Watson – 1924 – Dec 2, 2014

William J. (Bill) Watson, Jr. 89 of Roanoke went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, December 2, 2014. Bill was a member of the 307th BG Association.  He served his country in World War II as a B-24 Nose gunner with the 307th Bombardment Group’s, 372th Bomb Squadron.

Bill was a graduate of Roanoke College, retired from the N & W Railway, and a longtime member of North Roanoke Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Jane Davis Watson, and his parents, William J. Sr. and Delma Langford Watson. Surviving are his sons, Gary W. Watson and wife Robin of Roanoke; Daniel E. Watson and wife Kari of Clayton, N.C.; grandchildren, Gray and Allie Watson; sister, Doris Sue Watson Atkins and husband Tom ; brother, Carl F. Watson and wife Betty Rice Watson all of Roanoke; sister-in-law, Velma Davis of Salem and numerous other family member and friends including devoted friend, Sabrina Thompson.  Bill’s family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital P O Box 1000 Dept. 142 Memphis TN 38101-9908, in lieu of flowers.
A graveside service was conducted on Thursday, December 4, 2014 in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens by Dr. Darryl G. Crim.