** Narrative Summary of the Obituary** John Belin Watson Jr., 72, of Franklin, Virginia, passed away on 30 Jun 2015. He was predeceased by his parents, John B. and Ella Wade Watson, a sister, and two brothers. He is survived by three sons, seven grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. ** Narrative Summary of Funeral Services** A memorial service for John Belin Watson Jr. was held on 3 Jul 2015 at Wright Funeral Home. Burial with Fireman Honors followed at Poplar Spring Cemetery in Franklin, Virginia. --- **Transcript** John Belin Watson Jr. 28 June 1943 - 30 June 2015 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Franklin - John Belin Watson, Jr., 72, passed away Tuesday, 30 June 2015, at Sentara Obici Hospital. A son of the late John B. and Ella Wade Watson, he was also predeceased by a sister, Joan W. Belote, and two brothers, George Wade Watson Sr. and Franklin Gill Watson. He was a native and lifelong resident of Franklin and a graduate of Fishburne Military Academy. He was a member of Franklin Baptist Church and retired from Union Camp in the Process Engineering Technical Paper Group. He was an honorary member and former Chief Engineer of the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department. He was one of the first shock trauma technicians in the city of Franklin and was an adjunct instructor for the Commonwealth of Virginia Fire Programs, having taught from Roanoke to the Eastern Shore. Belin was an astute outdoorsman, awarded Eagle Scout at 13, a member of the Virginia Trappers Association, the National Trappers Association, and Sedley Hunt Club. Left to cherish his memory are his sons, John Belin "Jack" Watson III (Sheri) of Courtland, Michael Beale Watson (Christine) of Roanoke Rapids, NC, and Stephen Wade Watson (Genny) of Courtland; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; his former wife, Jane Beale Watson of Roanoke Rapids, NC; a sister-in-law, Patsy Watson of Franklin; nieces, nephews, cousins; and his good friend and fellow trapper, Bud Jenkins of Capron. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6 to 8 PM at Wright Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM Friday, 3 July 2015, at Wright Funeral Home with Rev. Hoyle Green officiating. Burial with Fireman Honors will follow at Poplar Spring Cemetery. Following the service, friends and family are invited to Steve and Genny Watson's home at 18470 Lakeside Dr., Courtland, VA 23837. Memorial donations may be made to Franklin Fire and Rescue. Wright Funeral Home and Crematory 1 July 2015 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Birth: 28 June 1943 - Southampton County, Virginia, USA] [Death: 30 June 2015 - Suffolk, Nansemond County, Virginia, USA] --- ** Vital Statistics Summary** | Name | Age | Birth | Death | |-----------------------------|-------------|----------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | John Belin Watson Jr. | 72 years | 28 June 1943; Southampton County, Virginia | 30 June 2015; Suffolk, Nansemond County, Virginia | --- ** Table of Relationships** | Name | Relationship | Place of Residence | |---------------------------------|------------------------------------|--------------------| | John Belin Watson Jr. | Decedent | N/A | | John B. Watson | Father (predeceased) | N/A | | Ella Wade Watson | Mother (predeceased) | N/A | | Joan W. Belote | Sister (predeceased) | N/A | | George Wade Watson Sr. | Brother (predeceased) | N/A | | Franklin Gill Watson | Brother (predeceased) | N/A | | Jane Beale Watson | Former Wife | Roanoke Rapids, NC | | John Belin Jack Watson III | Son | Courtland | | Michael Beale Watson | Son | Roanoke Rapids, NC | | Stephen Wade Watson | Son | Courtland | | Seven grandchildren | Grandchildren | Unknown | | One great-grandchild | Great-grandchild | Unknown | | Patsy Watson | Sister-in-law | Franklin | | Bud Jenkins | Good friend and fellow trapper | Capron | --- ** Publication Details** | Detail | Information | |--------------------------------|-----------------------------------| | Publication Date | 1 July 2015 | | Source | Wright Funeral Home and Crematory | --- ** Other Relevant Information** John Belin Watson Jr. was a lifelong resident of Franklin and had a distinguished career in emergency services as one of the first shock trauma technicians in the city. He was an active member of various outdoor associations and left behind a legacy through his family and community involvement.