Charles McKinley Watson of Ft. Worth, Texas, by way of Lake Providence, LA, passed on to his heavenly resting place Friday, March 16th at 9:06p.m. He was born August 7th, 1942, to Charlie McKinley Watson Jr. and Louise Boston Watson, in Lake Providence Louisiana. He received his education at East Carroll Training School and G.W. Griffin High School. Charles accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior in 1955. He was baptized by Reverend F.W. Wilson, Pastor of Progressive Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as Pianist for the church school. He also served as Choir Director for several other churches.
In 1959 he married his first wife, Alberta M. Jackson. They moved to Ft. Worth, TX in 1964, where he served as Pianist and Choir Director for Golden Gate Baptist Church before joining Annie St. Baptist Church where Pastor M.L. Fountain presided. While attending Annie St. Baptist Church he worked in the Christian Men’s Fellowship and sang in the Male Chorus.
He returned to East Carroll Parish, after divorcing, and served two years in the Highway Patrol Division of the Sherriff’s Department, as a Certified Highway Patrol Officer. He returned to Ft. Worth in 1968 and restored his membership to East Annie Street Christian Church, where the late Reverend Dr. Paul A. Sims Sr. presided. While in membership at East Annie Street Christian Church he served as Pianist for the Young adult Choir, worked in the Christian Men’s Fellowship and sang in the Male Chorus. East Annie Street Christian Church moved to 1800 E. Vickery Blvd in 1971 and is now known as Community Christian Church where Reverend Reuben E. Thompson currently presides.
As a faithful member of Community Christian Church he was ordained a Deacon in 1973, and served as Outreach Chairman and Finance Chairman for a number of years. Charles was ordained an Elder in 1983 by then Senior Minister C.H. Howard. He served as Vice Chairman, Chairman of the Board and Congregation, Vice Chairman and then Chairman of the Elders.
In 1972 Charles married Ella Mae McDaniel and remained a devoted husband for 46 years until his passing. He was employed by Martin Sprocket & Gear Inc., Ft. Worth Division, for 37 years.
Elder Watson was preceded in death by his father, mother, seven brothers, four sisters, two children- Linda K. Watson and C. McKinley Watson Jr. He leaves to cherish his memory: Wife Ella Mae Watson, one son – Douglas P. Watson, Step-son –David McDaniel, Daughters – . , A. Rita (Watson) Murray, Sheila Denise(Watson) Williams, and Carolyn Renee (Watson) Jackson. Step daughters Sandra Jean Williams, Berlinda Faye Owens. He also leaves to cherish his memory, four sisters-in-law, two brothers-in-law, 109 nieces and nephews and a host of other extended family and friends.