Willie Albert “Al” Watson Jr., 81, of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away peacefully on November 7th, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Al was born on September 3, 1944, to Willie Albert Watson Sr. and Ernestine Herndon Watson of Jefferson County, Florida. He was one of four children.

Al was loved and cherished by so many. He loved to hunt, fish and spend time with family and friends. He was the person who showed up to help whenever anything needed to be done. Build the deck, fix the car, give advice. Al could be found on a ladder at every wedding prep and on his lawn mower anywhere the grass needed mowing. He adored his wife of 59 years, his three children, his grandbabies, his great-grandbabies, and so many loved ones, including unofficial members always welcomed into the Watson family. He shared his love by supporting and guiding those around him. Al was an excellent baker and shared the product of his talent with his church family and loved ones.

Al earned his master’s degree from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Al built his career through protecting others. In 1966, he began as a trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol in Martin County. He honorably provided personal security for Governor Claude Kirk and Governor Reuben Askew. He served as District Safety Manager at Ryder Truck Rental. He was an investigator for the Crimes Compensation Commission. He served with the Leon County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff, Sergeant, Lieutenant – Community Service Bureau, Captain and Major – Criminal Investigations, Major – Director of Operations, Major – Director of Leon County Jail, Major – Director of Community Services. Through these roles he proudly served as SWAT Commander, Situations Commander for SWAT, and retired as Major, “Car Two” over all sworn law enforcement. After retirement, he enjoyed being foreman while building houses and widening bridges on I-75.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lois Watson, his son James Albert “Al” Watson (Kim), daughter Martha “Marti” Renee Chapman (John), and sister Deannie Roessler (Ronnie). Al was blessed with a host of grandchildren including Jake Watson (Brittany), Austin Watson (Corissa), Courtney Dunn (Garrett), Dennis Ratliff, Kaylin Rogers (Hunter), Kyle McGuffey (Delaney), Austin McGuffey (Victoria), Hayden Chapman, Olivia Watson, and Jonah Watson, and great grandchildren, Evan, Maddie, Walker, Harper, Dessie, Mason, Luke, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Willie Albert Watson, Sr. and Ernestine Herndon Watson, his son Kirk Alan Watson, his brother Henry Malcolm “Mickey” Watson, and sister Wilma Jean Watson Chesser.
Al treasured the many special moments of his life. Celebrating the successes of his family -weddings, graduations, births, and most recently watching his oldest son’s home being built – brought him immense joy. He also loved traveling, and earlier this year enjoyed a memorable trip to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons with his wife and cousin.

Al and Lois together have built a legacy of family and togetherness that will live on through Easter Picnics, family dinners around the table, the first chili of the year on Halloween, and dancing while cooking in the kitchen.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Bevis Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home. Burial will then follow at Waukeenah Cemetery. Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the Watson family with their arrangements. (www.bevisfh.com or 850-385-2193).