Enoch Harold Watson, 81

DOVER - Enoch Harold Watson of Dover departed this life Thursday, Sept. 27, 2007, at Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover, after a brief illness. He was 81.

He was born in Hartly on Feb. 15, 1926, to the late Isaac Ludy and Joanna (Wilson) Watson.

Mr. Watson received his early education at Lockwood and Booker T. Washington schools. He attended high school at Delaware State where he was a member of the all-star basketball team.

Mr. Watson completed his higher education at Lane College in Jackson, Tenn. During his college years he played on the tennis team and was very proud of having won a doubles championship tournament. Additionally he pledged and became a member of Kappa Alpha Phi Fraternity.

After college, Mr. Watson joined the U.S. Army. While serving he was decorated with a World War II victory medal.

He was employed with the State of Delaware for 20 years as a civil engineer.

Mr. Watson was a proud lifetime member of the Pride of Dover Lodge where he and his brothers developed and maintained lasting friendships with other lodge members.

He was always willing to lend a helping hand; his favorite charity was making donations to local churches.

On Tuesdays and Fridays "Pop" could be found at his favorite place, Spence"s Bazaar and Auction, where he gained more affectionate nicknames.

Mr. Watson was an outstanding, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.

He was a jovial man, a people person and an avid debater, and multitasking was one of his many attributes.

When at home Mr. Watson enjoyed watching two TVs and listening to two radios at the same time, and could tell exactly what was going on on all four of them.

He loved life and lived it like a champion. When he departed this life he embraced his next life with victory after giving his former life to Christ.

Mr. Watson loved greatly, was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Julia Louise Watson; and three brothers, Raymond Watson, Carl Watson and Abbie Watson.

He leaves to celebrate his life his sister, Regina Richards of Camden; two daughters, Mauryta B. Montague of Hampton Va., and Bron B. (Samuel) Wise of Stafford, Va.; two stepdaughters, Arlene L. Coleman and her devoted friend Terry of Dover, and Constance M. Paino of Augusta, Ga.; four special children, David D. and Harriet A. Durant of Dover, Miriam Jones and Paula McQueen of Hampton Va.; five brothers-in-law, Andrew (Bessie) Sullivan of Havredgrace Md., Preston (Naomi) Bessix of Dover, Phillip Jr. (Evelyn) Dixon of Dover, the Rev. Walter (Consdeuella) Dixon of Smyrna, and Harry (Deborah) Dixon of Dover; three sisters-in-law, Jeanette Watson of Dover, Charlotte M. (Rev. Joseph) Tull of Harrington and Bertha (Thomas) Greene of Willingboro N.J.; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one God daughter, Tonya Dixon of Dover; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services will be noon Thursday at Emmanuel AME Church, Hartly, where friends may view two hours prior.

Burial will be in Sharon Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to E. Harold Watson Foundation, 60 Cookson Drive, Stafford, VA 22556.

Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home, Dover.