Carl Watson, passed away on August 29, 2026 going home to be with his Lord and Savior at the age of 86.

Born in Penelope, Texas, on February 7, 1940, Carl grew up in humble circumstances. His family lived without electricity, natural gas, or running water. They used an icebox and cooked on a kerosene stove until natural gas was installed in 1948. Carl spent his childhood helping his parents farm and learning the values of hard work, faith, and perseverance.

Carl attended Baptist churches throughout his life and was saved and baptized at age 14 at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Penelope. His grandmother, Alice Davis, was the spiritual leader of the family and a wonderful influence during his early years. He graduated from Penelope ISD in 1958. After high school, he worked at the Methodist Children's Home in Waco, where he loved serving and mentoring the children. He often shared stories about volunteering to take children on errands so he could spend time teaching them life lessons.

Carl met the love of his life, May Bell Howard, in 1956 when she joined his family for Sunday lunch with her best friend, who was Carl's cousin. He soon began attending her basketball games at Bynum ISD in a neighboring community. Carl and May Bell were married on November 20, 1959.

In 1959, Carl moved to Dallas and began working in the printing industry, spending most of his career at Jarvis Press, Inc. He maintained close friendships with his coworkers and remained in regular contact with one of them for the rest of his life.

Carl founded Watson Yard Maintenance in 1985, which he operated until his retirement in 2003. One of his young workers became a trusted part of both the business and the family. Carl stayed in touch with him throughout his life and especially treasured their many visits over the last several months.

After retirement, calling friends, neighbors, and family became Carl's daily ministry. He checked on people regularly, shared stories, discussed current events, told jokes, and most importantly, shared the love of Jesus. He faithfully prayed with and for those he called and cared deeply about their lives and families.

Carl and May Bell were active members of Baptist churches throughout their marriage. They attended First Baptist Church of Red Oak from 1978 to 2006 and then became faithful members of Farley Street/Pathway Baptist Church for 20 years, where Carl loved being part of the Friendship Sunday School Class. Each evening, he prayed by name for the widows of the church. He enjoyed playing gospel music during his bedtime routine and began every morning listening to his electronic Bible while eating breakfast.

Carl's greatest love was his family. He often referred to May Bell as his angel and would tell their daughter, Kim, "You know you have a wonderful mother who does everything for me, and I wouldn't know what to do without her." May Bell lovingly cared for him throughout their marriage, especially during the final years of his life, and remained faithfully by his side.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Claud Henry Watson and Zudora Watson; his brother, Claud Dean Watson; and his sister-in-law, Bobbie Gayle Watson.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, May Bell Watson; daughter, Kim Campbell-Hailey; son-in-law, Kevin Hailey; step-granddaughters, Katherine Hailey and her husband, Diego Zometa, and Abby Hailey Petty and her husband, Baker Petty; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, at Pathway Baptist Church in Waxahachie. Visitation with family and friends will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, at Wayne Boze Funeral Home in Waxahachie.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to the Pathway Baptist Church Building Fund.

Carl will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but they rejoice in the promise that they will one day be reunited with him at the feet of Jesus.