George Hinton Watson, Jr.

George Hinton Watson, Jr. passed away on December 15, 2021 after a long battle with cancer.  He was predeceased by his parents George, Sr. and Louise Watson and his son George III (Trey).

George was born at Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta, GA.  He graduated from Brown High School.  George received an Associates Degree from Georgia Southwestern State University.  He also received a BSEd. from the University of Georgia and a MSEd. from Georgia College and State University.

George stayed in Athens after graduation to teach at Hilsman Junior High School.  He was instrumental in helping name the newly built high school now known as Cedar Shoals High School where he taught as a Social Sciences teacher and  Soccer Coach. George participated in Taft Institute of Government Seminars and taught classes in Germany about American Government. He was active in the Athens Jaycees.

He was a soccer coach for many years beginning at the Athens Recreation Department and continuing at Cedar Shoals where his teams won many Region Championships and one third place finish in the state tournament.  He further coached with the Applejacks Soccer Club (now Athens United) where one of his teams won a State Championship.  His lifelong love of soccer continued into retirement as he frequently refereed games.

In retirement, George volunteered at The Athens Welcome Center and participated as a Master Gardener at the State Botanical Gardens.  He was an usher at the University of Georgia Performing Arts Center.  He also spent many happy days traveling the world with family and friends.

George was a founding member of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church.  He served on several Vestrys in many capacities.  His commitment to St. Gregory’s continued with his attendance at The Brotherhood of St. Andrews and The Men’s Group.

George is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nancy Harrison Watson, his daughters Leigh Trammell (Wesley), and Eliza Kirk and five grandchildren, Dalton, Jake, and Camden Trammell and Gillian and Emma-Jane Kirk.

A memorial service will be held at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church on Monday, December 27th at 11:00 am.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Gregory’s Endowment Fund at 3195 Barnett Shoals Rd. Athens, GA 30605.  The family would like to thank Compassionate Care Hospice staff and family and friends for all their assistance during George’s illness.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens is in charge of arrangement. www.lordandstephens.com.