JOHN GARY WATSON, 81 years old, of Louisville, Kentucky, died December 29, 2015 in Louisville surrounded by his family. He was born on May 9, 1934 in Huntington, West Virginia, to the late Ruth Elizabeth and John Thomas Watson.

Gary attended Huntington High School in Huntington, West Virginia, where he excelled in Track and was an All-State football player. He attended Greenbrier Military School and the University of Virginia on football scholarships.

Gary served his country in Heidelberg, Germany, at the 130th Station Hospital, the hospital where General George Patton died. Gary returned to Huntington and continued his studies and was a graduate of Marshall University.

Gary moved to Louisville and began a 37 year career in the cement industry, retiring in 1998 as Regional Vice President with Louisville Cement Company and Essroc Materials. He was a recipient of industry awards including the Carl Franks Leadership Award from the Indiana Concrete Council, the Howard Roberts Award and the Legends Award from the Kentucky Ready Mix Concrete Association. He also served on numerous boards and committees in Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois. He was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church and was privileged to serve the Lord as an Elder, Deacon and Clerk of Session. He was an avid golfer and a 40 year member of Midland Trail Golf Club.

Gary was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife, Dorothy Ann Watson; children, John Taylor, Gary Michael (Colleen), Ann, Billy (Terri), Kimberly (Hollis), Sandi (Chris), Terri (Alex) and James (Liz); nineteen grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and his boxer, Benjamin.

Visitation will be on Sunday, January 3, 2016 from 2:30 p.m. until the time of the funeral ceremony at 3:30 p.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 10200 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, Kentucky. Burial will be private at Cave Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association . To leave a special message to the family, please visit www.NewcomerKentuckiana.com.
Published in The Herald-Dispatch on Jan. 1, 2016