JOHN WATSON
On May 8, 2022, John Robert Watson, age 86, peacefully went to be with the Lord at his home in Holly Lake Ranch, with his children by his side. A graveside service was held Wednesday, May 18 at the Albany Cemetery.
John was born Jan. 9, 1936 in Cisco, Texas to Andrew and Leona Watson. He grew up in Albany, Texas and later attended Abilene Christian College, now Abilene Christian University. He was a Grand Purple Member of the Presidents Circle for the alumni since 1981.
After graduating from Abilene Christian, John enlisted in the Army. He was married to Nancy Helen Hemphill from 1959-1968. They had three children.
He moved to Ft. Worth in the early 70’s, becoming a co-owner of an antique store. He enjoyed traveling to the U.K. and meeting interesting people while searching for antiques to be shipped back to the U.S.
It was also at that time he started his lifelong career in the oil and gas business. In 1987, he founded Royalty Owner Services with his two sons, working to get a well drilled until his dying day.
In the late 90’s John moved to Holly Lake Ranch because of his love of golf and longtime friendship with Jewel Campbell. The two loved playing golf and traveling with friends, including playing a practice round at the Masters. He enjoyed playing in many golf tournaments, his favorite being the Veterans Memorial Tournament at Holly Lake.
Some of his best memories were playing golf at Pebble Beach and Ireland. In 2006, right after the course was made ready for the Ryder Cup, John convinced the K-Club to allow him and his son-in-law to play a round, being the first to play the course. He was an avid Longhorn fan. Starting at age 13, he hitchhiked to his first game from Albany to Dallas for the TX-OU football game. Subsequently, he attended 72 TX-OU football games, missing only due to the Army and COVID.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Leona Watson; and his son, Scott Watson.
John is survived by his daughter, Cheryne Elliott and husband Jay; his son, John Robert Watson II and wife Kerry; and his grandchildren, Blair Watson and Ben and Drew Collie.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in memory of John Watson can be made to the John C. and Ruth Stevens Endowed Scholarship at Abilene Christian University. Go online to acu.edu/give. PD
