Dawson “Sonny” Watson Sr.

Dawson “Sonny” Watson Sr., 68, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012, at McLeod  Regional  Medical Center, Florence. He’s the son of the late Canty and Lucy Frances Johnson Watson. He was born Oct. 19, 1943, in the Panola section of Summerton.

He received his formal education in the public schools of Clarendon County, Summerton.

In his youth he sought the need for a personal Savior and joined Mt. Pleasant RMUE Church where he was a faithful member serving as trustee, steward, and in many other capacities. He was also a member of the Spring Hill Lodge #188 and Order of Eastern Star Spring Hill Chapter #263.

He was employed at Santee State Park for 30 years.

Survivors are two sons, Dawson Watson Jr. of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Michael Watson of Manning; two daughters, Monica Watson of Manning; Raquel Sumter of Elloree; two nephews he loved as sons, David Watson of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Howard Ragin of Washington, D.C.; two brothers Canty (Henrietta) Watson of White Plains, N.Y.; Chad (Deborah) Watson of Bronx, N.Y.; two sisters, Tommy Lee (Abraham) Watson of Summerton; Sarah Watson of Queens, N.Y.;  two aunts Hariett Felder; Nova Watson; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Wake services for the Masonic Rites will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, 2012, at Mt. Pleasant RMUE Church, 14076 Panola Road, Panola.

Remains will be placed in the church at 2 p.m. with services at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, at Historic Liberty Hill A.M.E. Church, 2310 Liberty Hill Road, Summerton.

Rev. Dr. Leslie Lovett, Pastor, Rev. Powell Hampton Jr. officiating assisting Rev. Aretha G.Johnson.

Burial is in Brown Cemetery, Panola.

The family is receiving friends at the home of Dorothy Watson Rivers, 2833 Liberty Hill Road, Summerton.