Mr. Willie Fred Watson, 89, of Holcomb, passed away Thursday, December 29, 2022.  He was born July 24, 1933 in Wesson to George William and Alma Letha Smith Watson.  Willie Fred attended Co-Lin Junior College and earned a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Delta State University where he lettered in football and baseball.  He also earned a Master's degree in Social Work from Louisiana State University.  He enjoyed a long, 36-year, career serving children and their families working for the Mississippi Department of Social Work retiring as a Supervisor.  Mr. Watson honorably served in the Mississippi Army National Guard having attained the rank of Staff Sergeant at the time of his discharge.  He was an active and devoted member of the Holcomb United Methodist Church since 1959 having served as Chairman of the Official Board and Chairman of the MYF.  Willie Fred knew the importance of giving back to his community and was very civic minded.  He freely gave of his time serving as a Boy Scout Master, Little League Baseball Coach and was also a Charter Member of the Holcomb Lions Club.  An avid outdoorsman, Willie Fred enjoyed deer, duck and squirrel hunting and could also be found riding around on his Honda 4-wheeler at any opportunity that he had.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, January 3, 2022 at the Holcomb United Methodist Church with Rev. Rick Shepherd and Rev. Janie Mortimer officiating.  Interment will follow in the Holcomb Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Monday evening at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service and one hour prior to the service Tuesday at the Holcomb United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Barbara Watson; daughter, Lydia McCardle(Mike) of Brandon; son, Keith Watson of Holcomb; five grandchildren, Nicholas, Hannah and Abby McCardle, Clara Grace Watts(Andrew) and Elliott Watson(Jessica); and six great-grandchildren, Finley, Kelsey, Kylon, Karson, Will and Charly Grace; and one great-grandchild, Logan, on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Lucille Horton.

Pallbearers will be Mike Campbell, Kelly Causey, Ken Causey, Buddy Gray, Chad Gray and Charlie Holland.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Billy & Judy Brasher, Paul Lindsey Gray and Jan Walton, Tommy Jackson, Glenda and David Little, Betty and Cliff Holland and Matthew Umphlett.

Memorials may be directed to the Methodist Children's Home in Jackson or the Holcomb Cemetery Fund.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com .

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, (662-307-2694).