Jerry Wendell Watson

Jerry Wendell Watson was born on September 1, 1934 and went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 15,2016 he was 81. He was preceded in death by his parents J.B. and Jabie Watson and 2 brothers Joe and John Watson. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Iva Dean Watson and two children, his son Wendell (Tina) Watson, and daughter Ginger (Brian) Pierce. One brother Jack (Susan) Watson and one sister Charlotte (Burton) Arnett. Five grandchildren Josh (Tera) Pierce, Joby (Jamie) Pierce, Hunter (Katharine) Watson, Ben Watson, and Wendi Watson. Four great-grandchildren Caleb and Callie Pierce, Drake Pierce, and Tatum Watson. And many nieces and nephews. The pallbearers for the service will be Josh Pierce, Joby Pierce, Hunter Watson, Ben Watson, Wendell Watson and Jack Arnett.
Jerry was a well known and respected businessman in the Cleveland and Benton area. He owned and operated Watson's Supermarkets. He opened his first store in 1959 Stuart Park Grocery. He sold his car for cash register change. His mother Jabie was the cashier and his father J.B. ran the produce truck while Jerry cut meat for the meat market. It was an instant success. With his brothers' Joe, John, and Jack they expanded to four more stores. It was a true family business and he loved that.
Jerry loved to farm and started raising Charolais cattle in 1969. He took great joy in baling hay and getting it just right, delivering baby calves and raising big bulls.
He had a great passion for hunting big game and took many trips to Alaska with good friend and guide Lynn Castle. The outdoors was important to him and he always educated his children, grandchildren and others.
He loved being "The Cook" at First Baptist' Camp Cherokee for many years. He attended Ralph Bryson's Sunday school class at First Baptist and had many special friends there. He made a profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ onJune 16 and was baptized on June 30, 1946 at First Baptist. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to be made to the Ronald McDonald house or to First Baptist Church missions in memory of Jerry.
The family will receive friends on Friday, March 18th, 2016 from 1:30 PM until 3:30 PM in the parlor of Companion Funeral Home located at 2419 Georgetown Road NW in Cleveland, TN.
A graveside service will be held on Friday afternoon, March 18th, 2016 at 4:00 PM in the Sunset Memorial Gardens with the Reverend Jim Gibson officiating.
You are encouraged to share a memory and/or your personal condolences with Jerry’s family by visiting his memorial web page and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com.
Companion Funeral Home and the Cody family are honored to assist the Watson family with these arrangements.