Lamar L. Watson, age 71, of Smyrna, TN, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, April 16, 2016. A native and long-time resident of Moultrie, Georgia he was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Zalec and Bessie Mae Roberts; two sisters, Jeanetta Watson Klopfer and Jean Watson Johnson; and his beloved Basset Hound, Oscar.

Mr. Watson is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Barbara Truett Watson; daughters, Cindy Watson Tillman and her husband Bryan of Smyrna, TN and Christy Watson Beauvais and her husband Paul of Murfreesboro, TN; grandchildren, Megan Tillman Hyde and her husband Sean of Murfreesboro, TN, Beau Tillman of Smyrna, TN and Zachary Lamar Tillman and his long-time girlfriend, Sydney Roosa of Norfolk, VA; great-grandchildren, Noah Marie Smith and Averie Taylor Hyde; sister, Pat Watson Yates of Jacksonville, FL; and brothers-in-law, Jerry Klopfer of Orlando, FL and Fred Johnson of Virginia.

Mr. Watson was a retired telecommunication contractor with GTE. He loved to fish and also enjoyed gardening, roaming in his R.V., and bird watching. His greatest passion was his family and took pride in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much. He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Memorials in memory of Mr. Watson can be made to Amedisys Hospice at 1809 Ward Dr, Murfreesboro, TN 37129; The American Lung Association at One Vantage Way, Suite C120 Nashville, TN 37228; or to The American Heart Association at 1818 Patterson St, Nashville, TN 37203.

A private celebration of life will take place at a later date.