Charles Edward Watson

Mr. Charles Edward Watson, 67, of 1012 S. Brightleaf, Blvd, Smithfield, NC died on Wednesday, January 15, 2014.

Charles Edward Watson, the son of the late Roger Watson, Sr. and the late Letha Mae Watson, was born January 10, 1947 in Smithfield, North Carolina. He departed this life on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Charles was educated in the Johnston County Public School System and graduated from Johnston County Training School in 1965. In 1966 Charles was drafted into the United States Army, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky and received an honorable discharge. During the years of serving his country, Charles was stationed in Vietnam where he earned several medals – Army Commendation, Jungle Expert, National Defense Service, Ranger, Republic of Vietnam Campaign, and Vietnam Service. His most honored and prestigious medals are the two Purple Hearts he received. He would later become a member of the American Legion Post #1981. Sergeant First Class Watson was a proud veteran and the U.S. flag always flew on his property.
At an early age he joined and was baptized at First Missionary Baptist Church, Smithfield, NC where he remained a member throughout his life.
For many years he was employed as a truck driver for various companies in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC until returning to his hometown. Upon returning to Smithfield he became a man of all trades. He had no problem helping all who asked for his help, or simply volunteering his time.
In 1993 he reconnected and later married Blondell Sanders Greene, and a family was created from this union, which included Blondell's daughter, Carla and Charles' son, Bryan. The word "step child" was never a part of his vocabulary.
Charles lived an extremely active life, touching many lives with joy, love and happiness. He was a cheerful giver who always enjoyed being with his family and friends. No matter what Charles was going through, he continued on and never complained. At any given time, you could find Charles constantly being busy doing any and everything he could. However, the greatest pleasure in his life was spending time with his "Charlie's Angels", his beautiful granddaughters, Deonna, Daria, Chloe, and Bryell.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ted Watson.
He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Blondell; one son, Bryan Watson of Cary, NC; one daughter, Carla Henry of Piscataway, NJ; one sister, Julia Jones of Temple Hills, MD; three brothers, Roger Watson, Jr. and Douglas Watson both of Smithfield, NC, and Michael Dunston of Goldsboro, NC; one daughter-in-law, Sharnell Watson; one son-in-law, Darryl Henry; four granddaughters, Deonna and Daria Henry and Chloe and Bryell Watson; mother-in-law, Minnie Sanders; two brothers-in-law, Theodore Sanders, Jr. and Calvin Jones; three sisters-in-law, Vernell Sanders, Fawn Watson, and Robin Watson; aunts and uncles, Florice Williams, Bettie Williams, Lena Powell, Henrietta Vinson, Clyde Hunter, Jr. and Theodore Hunter; nieces and nephews, Sherry, Tiffany, Angel, Nadia, Jernaya, Bernard, Fronz, and Roger III; a special buddy, Cody; and a host of other relatives and friend

A walk in wake will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Sanders Funeral Home, located at 806 E. Market Street in Smithfield, NC.

Funeral services for Mr. Watson will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2014 at 11:00 am at First Missionary Baptist Church, located at 403 Caswell Street in Smithfield, NC. A viewing will be held at the church one hour prior to funeral services at 10:00 am.