William Earl Watson, age 85, passed away August 8, 2022 at Delta South Nursing and Rehabilitation in Sikeston, Missouri.

He was born on September 6, 1936, near Portageville, Missouri to the late Woodrow and Pauline McGee Watson. He grew up and attended High School in Matthews, Missouri, where he was an outstanding basketball and softball player. It was in the third grade where he met his future wife, Shirley Ann Hubbard. They dated all through high school and when they graduated in 1955, they married on May 21 ^st .

Earl had been a letter carrier for the Sikeston Post Office and later worked in Management before he retired in 1991. Upon retirement, Earl and Shirley spent many years on Kentucky Lake doing the things they enjoyed with their many lake friends. Earl was a master at catching crappie and always shared his catch.

Earl accepted Jesus Christ and raised his family believing in God. He was the type of person whose daily life witnessed his faith. He was an awesome father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He took much pride in his family and was always there to help.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Shirley; his children, Debra (Stephen) Shoemaker of Sikeston, Sharon (Brad) Parmenter of Bradenton, Florida, and Steven Earl (Lisa) Watson of Norfolk, Virginia. His favorite granddaughter, Tara (Tyler) Ribbing of Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He used to tell her she was the favorite because she was an only granddaughter. His grandsons, Blake (Paige) Shoemaker of Sikeston, Brian (Marina) King of St. Louis, Missouri, and Jacob Earl Watson of Norfolk; and his great-grandchildren, Ellie, Sophie, and Jace Ribbing, and Aiden Miles.

No one can ever take his place and he will be missed by all. We would have loved to keep him forever, but he has better fish to fry at the Savior's right hand where there will be no more pain or suffering.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Virgil Watson and Raymond Watson; and three sisters, Paulette Watson, Nancy Dewitt, and Linda Tubbs.

Visitation will be held Friday, August 12, from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral services at 12:00 noon at Ponder Funeral Home. Pastor Matthew Vroman of the First Baptist Church will officiate.

Interment will follow at the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Sikeston.

Memorial donations may be sent to First Baptist Church.