Bobby Lee Watson

Bobby Lee Watson, 78, of Cranfills Gap, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at home surrounded by his wife and children.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 25, at Lawson Funeral Home in Meridian. Pastor Bob Ray and Jimmy Wray will officiate. Visitation with family and friends will be held at noon, Friday, also at the funeral home.

Bobby was born to Lowell and Azlee Watson and raised in Blum. Soon after graduating from high school, he decided to start his own dairy business. In 1968 he found a beautiful spot to call his home outside of Cranfills Gap in Hamilton County. He and his dad worked to build barns on his new place while he drove back and forth to Blum to milk his cows twice a day. He grew his dairy business over the years and often took on other jobs at the same time. At one point he owned and operated the grocery store and a meat processing facility in Cranfills Gap and also did custom farming jobs in the area.

Bobby was dedicated to his family and heavily involved in the community. For many years he served on the school board, Septemberfest committee, Central Texas Youth Fair committee, was a leader for the local 4-H, FFA, Lutefisk, hay show, BBQ Cookoff and founding member of the Bosque County Go Texan committee. He also held a local turkey shoot for many years.

He had four children, Tammy, Pamela, Leslie and Bobby Wayne. He raised them to be strong, independent and hardworking. In 1991 he married Carrol Hadley Sikes Watson. She had three children, Ralph, Robin and LaJuhn. The family grew and continued to benefit from his guidance and wisdom. Bobby was the kind of person who never met a stranger. It seemed as if everyone knew him and no matter where we went, he always had kind things to say. His blue eyes, striped overalls and his love for laughter are remembered by all.

In 1999 he retired from the dairy business and started cattle ranching full time and managing Flying P Outdoors. In his spare time, he loved fishing, dancing, singing, gardening and all things related to his cows.

He found great joy in being “PawPaw.” Nothing made him happier than spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved taking them on Gator rides and teaching them about cows, fishing and life. He was so proud of all of them. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Lowell and Azlee Watson; and brother William Watson.

He is survived by his wife, Carrol Watson; four children, Tammy, Pamela, Leslie and Bobby Wayne; three stepchildren, Ralph, Robin and LaJuhn; 21 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; sisters Barbara, Pearlie and Nelda; brother Doug; numerous other relatives; and a host of friends.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Cranfills Gap ISD Ag Department: Cranfills Gap ISD Attn: Monti Parchman P.O. Box 67 Cranfills Gap, Texas 76637 on memo line write Bobby Watson or Venmo donations to @Tammy-Stone-33 on memo write Bobby Watson.

Arrangements were entrusted to Lawson Funeral Home.