Edward Watson Obituary – Edward Dale Watson (Dale), 61, died on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. He resided in Sevierville, Tennessee. His birth date was December 30, 1962. Dale was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend who also enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was also a fantastic friend. He enjoyed the time he spent with his family on Douglas Lake, where they went fishing and boating on a regular basis. Dale, his father James, and brother Rickey founded Watson Excavating on their own almost three decades ago.
Dale’s legacy will live on at Watson Excavating for many years to come, since the firm is owned and operated by the Watson family. Dale had a penchant for speed and turning left on Saturdays, despite his reputation as a laid-back and easygoing guy who went with the flow. Dale continued his passion for dirt track racing throughout his life, participating at a number of facilities around East Tennessee. Smoky Mountain, Bull’s Gap, Atomic, and 411 Motor Speedway were just a few of the venues included in this category.
Dale’s passion and excitement for the sport of racing grew over the years, eventually leading him to expand his position beyond that of a driver and become the owner of a race car. Dale won five titles as a consequence of his extensive knowledge of racing cars and determination to lead the pack. As a consequence of his feat, he was given the nickname “The Legend”. His son, Ryan, will continue on his legacy, and anytime you see the orange “# 11” on the race track, you will remember “The Legend,” Dale Watson. His legacy will go on.
His father, James Freeman Watson, his grandparents, Carl and Minnie Watson, Brad and Blanche King, and his in-laws, Minyard and Mary Lee Ogle, all died before him. Dale is survived by his wife of 39 years, Lisa, his son, Ryan Watson (Chelsea), his grandson, Kingston Watson, his mother, Eugenia Watson, his brother, Rickey Watson (Donna), his sister, Jamie Boyle (Chris), his nieces and nephews, Chelsea Burnette (Casey), Garret, Alexis, and Colby Boyle, as well as his great-nephew, Boone Burnette, and a number of extended family members and special racing friends.
I’d like to express my deepest thanks to University Cancer Specialists in Sevierville, particularly Dr. John Foust and Nurse Practitioner Sonya Knight, for the exceptional care, support, and compassion they’ve offered. I’d want to thank the outstanding nurses Carrie, Laura, Kim, and Stephanie for always welcoming us with a warm smile and providing the best level of professional care available. You ladies are amazing, and we shall be grateful to you for the rest of our lives. Pallbearers for the funeral were Kingston Watson, Casey Burnette, Garret Boyle, Wendell Spence, Darrell Spence, Eric Gann, Tommy McCarter, and Jeff Henry.
Ronald Ogle, Charlie Ingle, Glen Nix, Tim Baker, and Carl Wilson were chosen to serve as honorary pall bearers. Following the viewing from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, April 8, 2024, the funeral service will be held at 7 p.m. in the West Chapel of the Atchley Funeral Home in Sevierville. The Reverend Ted McMahan will officiate over the event. A graveside service and burial will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Caton’s Chapel Cemetery. Family and friends will be present. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.atchleyfuneralhome.com.
