NEWTON, N.C. - Thomas Hiott Watson Jr., 81, of Newton, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Thursday, August 22, 2024.

Born in Great Falls, S.C., on November 1, 1942, he was the son of the late Thomas Hiott Watson Sr., and Virginia Smith Watson.

A distinguished graduate of Maiden High School, Tom excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. He continued his basketball career at Lenoir-Rhyne College where he was a member of the 1960-61 regular season championship. At Gardner-Webb College he was part of the basketball team’s first basketball championship in 1962-63. A graduate of Gardner Webb College and LRC, Tom earned his Master’s in Educational Administration from Appalachian State University in 1974, followed by his Ed S in 1976.

Tom is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Brenda Kay Honeycutt Watson, and their two sons Thomas Hiott Watson III (and wife Kendra) of Newton and Lance Honeycutt Watson (and wife Angel) of Vale. Tom’s legacy endures through his six beloved grandchildren Jonah Hiott Watson (and fiancée Helen), Caleb Thomas Watson, and Benjamin Jered Watson all of Newton and Rae Lee Watson, JayMark Beam Watson, and Finley Honeycutt Watson all of Vale. He is also survived by his younger brother, Bill Watson (and wife Sandy).

Tom will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic as a teacher, coach, and principal. His career included roles at Newton-Conover Junior High, West Lincoln High School, Fred T. Foard High School, and he concluded his educational career as the principal of Claremont Elementary. During his career Tom served as assistant football coach, boys basketball coach, assistant principal, athletic director, and principal. In 2012, Gardner-Webb honored Tom with the Meritorious Service Award, a testament to his enduring commitment to the institution. He was also inducted into the Catawba Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2017 and spent nearly 25 years serving as a league secretary and administrator for area high school conferences. Tom was a devoted supporter of Gardner Webb University and will be fondly remembered for his unwavering support and loyalty to the ‘Dawgs.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on Sunday (August 25th) at 3 p.m. at First Methodist Church in Conover, 410 1st Ave N, Conover, NC 28613 with Rev. John Woods officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Tom Watson Scholarship at Gardner-Webb University or First Methodist of Conover.

Condolences may be sent to the Watson family at www.burkemortuary.com

Burke Mortuary & Crematory of Newton, N.C. is serving the Watson family.