Mr. William “Bill” Herbert Watson, 95, of Atlantic, passed away on June 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving and devoted family.
He was born June 12, 1930, in Salisbury, Md., the son of Herbert Carlos Watson and Bertha Mae (Benson) Watson. During his first three years, he lived on Wallops Island, where his grandparents served as caretakers of the Wallops Island Hunt Club. During the storm of 1933, a Coast Guard officer rescued him and his family, after which they relocated to Wisharts Point.
Bill married Matilda Ann (Linton) on July 28, 1950, sharing a wonderful 57 years together until her passing on July 3, 2008.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his children, Herbert Benson Watson and his wife, Susan, of Pocomoke City; Richard William Watson’s wife, Cristy, of Wisharts Point, and Jeffrey Alan Watson and his wife, Debbie, of Wisharts Point; his grandchildren, Andrea [Watson] Chandler (Ryan), Richie Watson (Katie), Bradley Watson (Shanna), Courtney [Watson] Petty (Jeff), and Jeffrey Watson; and his great-grandchildren, Brad, Braden, Lola, Ella, Addison, Will, Waylon, Sutherland, Easton, Brooke, Carver, Watson, Walker, and Elle.
Preceding Bill in death were his wife, Matilda Ann Watson, and his son, Richard William Watson.
Bill graduated from Atlantic High School in 1948. After high school, he served briefly in the U.S. Army National Guard. Bill worked as a telemetry technician at NASA and retired after 33 years of service in 1990.
Bill was a dedicated member of Atlantic Baptist Church, where he served as custodian for 25 years, Sunday School Superintendent, deacon for 72 years, and chairman of the deacons for 37 years. He was also a charter member of the Atlantic Volunteer Fire Company and a member of the Atlantic District Ruritan Club, as well as the Temperanceville Masonic Lodge #121.
Bill was a devoted family man whose greatest joy in life came from the time spent with his loved ones. His kindness knew no bounds, touching the lives of everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. Always cheerful and ready with a humorous quip or story, Bill brought warmth and laughter to even the most ordinary moments. His genuine interest in others and natural ability to make people feel valued made him truly special to all who met him. Those who knew Bill best would agree that “wonderful person” only begins to describe the impact he had on countless lives through his generous spirit and compassionate heart.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 21, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Salyer Funeral Home, Inc., on Chincoteague. Memorial services will be held on June 22 at 2 p.m. at Atlantic Baptist Church, 10084 Atlantic Road, Atlantic, with the Rev. John Higginbotham, the Rev. Maury Enright, the Rev. Robert Reese, and “the daughter he never had,” the Rev. Betsy Hudson, officiating. Interment will follow at the John W. Taylor Cemetery in Temperanceville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Atlantic Baptist Church, P.O. Box 397, Atlantic, VA 23303, or the Atlantic Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 207, Atlantic, VA 23303.
Services are entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc., on Chincoteague Island. Condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com
