Sam Ray Watson

September 23, 1929 - June 18, 2016
Sam Ray Watson

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Sam Ray Watson 86, widower of Rita Watson and a long Time resident of the Wrightsboro Community passed away Saturday June 18, 2016 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

Sam was born in Sampson county September 23, 1929 the son of the late Thomas E. and Etta Lee Woodard Watson. Sam served his country faithfully in the United States Army, and was also preceded in death by brothers Jack, Revere and Milton Watson.

Surviving are a daughter Sandra W. Tucker and husband Michael of Wilmington, and Mary Etta Watson of Stuart, FL; granddaughters Ashley Siddons and husband Josh of Castle Hayne; and Christina Perez and husband Johnathon of Stuart, FL, great-grandson Connor Siddons, Also surviving are brother Glenn Watson, of Wilmington and sisters Marie Merritt and husband Pit of Currie, and Mary Hall of Magnolina.

Sam was a faithful member and Trustee of Apostolic Tabernacle Church where funeral services will be conducted 11:00 AM Friday June 24, 2016. The Reverend L.E. Logue will officiate the service. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park. He will receive Full Military honors at the graveside.

The family will see friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Thursday evening at the church.

The family would like memorials be directed to Apostolic Tabernacle Church building fund 712 Wellington Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28401. Phone (910) 763-3762

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099


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  • June 20, 2016
    Phyllis Long lit a candle:
    Lit since June 20, 2016 at 6:37:51 PM

  • June 21, 2016
    David & Lori Smithey says:
    We are deeply saddened to hear of Bro. Watson's passing. He was a great Man of God, who had a heart for God's work and for people. His smile was always so contagious and a welcoming sight every time we would visit The Apostolic Tabernacle Church. He will be missed but we know he is rejoicing today in Heaven with our Lord!

  • June 23, 2016
    Martha Holdford and son James Robert Holdford says:
    Our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family. A man who loved his family and others. I will remember his big smile and warm heart toward others. The Bible verse that best reflects Sam Watson is-Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in heaven-God bless.

  • August 15, 2016
    Sharon Jacobs Murray says:
    If my memory serves me correct, Mr. Watson had a gas station across from Mr. McGee's store on Castle Hayne Road. I grew up in the Wrightsboro area. He was always nice anytime we went there.

  • March 28, 2017
    James Tibbetts and Debi Sue Smith says:
    Our prayers are with you and your family. We recently found out. Mr. Watson wad our neighbor. I throughly enjoyed over the years talking n feeding the goats. Last year we spoke Sam about buying property yet didn't hear back. Sadly this is why. Sam was one of the kindest, trusting, genuine people I have met. If we can do anything we are here for you as a neighbor and friend.