Julian "Butch" Watson

Julian Sanford “Butch” Watson, at the incredible age of 77, entered God’s eternal peace on July 18, 2026. Born in Toledo, Ohio, he carried the pride of a Scott High School Bulldog, graduating in 1969. In 1970, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving until 1974 as an Electrician’s Mate, ranked E 4. His service took him across the world — Vietnam, Hong Kong, Australia, the Pacific, and the Philippines. It was in Vietnam that he went to war for the United States of America, a sacrifice he carried with quiet strength throughout his life. That same year, he married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen F. Smith, beginning a love story rooted in loyalty, partnership, and devotion. After returning home, he began a 30-year career with Ohio Bell (later Ameritech/AT&T), working as a journeyman and earning the respect of everyone who had the privilege of working beside him. After retiring from Ohio Bell, Butch took a sabbatical to pour his hands and heart into his home — building an addition himself — and helping raise his first grandchild, Ja’Vonte' Julian Neal. Being a grandfather was the light that guided his days as one of his greatest joys, and he embraced it with the same dedication he gave to everything else. Later, he joined the United States Postal Service, where he devoted another 30 years and collected even more friends, as if his spirit didn’t already attract enough people. Butch’s greatest love — after his three daughters, “Butch’s Girls” — was being an exemplary example of a Black man, father, and grandfather. His daughters, Toia (Ja’Vonte’, Taylor Sole’, Maximus), Camille (Lil Rob, Robert (RJ), Donavon), and Tamika (Ryian Kathleen, Roderick), were the foundation of everything he cherished, the core of his love and purpose for a full loving life”. He poured into them strength, humor, protection, faith and pride. He extended that same love to all 8 of his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and every young person who looked up to him. He had a gift for making people feel included. If Butch was hosting a gathering — whether family, USPS coworkers, Ohio Bell friends, or someone he met along life’s journey — you were welcomed like family literally. His backyard was his oasis, his kingdom, his favorite place to be. As long as he was outside, he was in his element. Weather didn’t matter; he simply adapted. That was who he was — steady, present, and joyful in the simplest moments. His laugh was unforgettable — loud, infectious, and guaranteed to pull you in. If you heard Butch laughing, you wanted to know what the story was, because you knew it was going to be good. His spirit and aura were magnetic, full of kindness, humor, and warmth people wanted to be near. He was preceded in eternal life by his parents, Mrs. Patricia Ann Lundy Watson and Mr. Larry Eugene Watson, his brothers Ronald Tyrone Harrison and Larry Eugene Watson, and his loving sister Gloria Jean Harris. After the passing of his beloved Kathy 7 years and 5 months ago, Butch retired and devoted even more time to his girls and his grandchildren: Ja’Vonte' (27), Ryian (21), Taylor (20), Little Rob (20), Robert (RJ) (20), Donavon (20), Roderick (19), and Maximus (15). He also cherished his loving, kind hearted nieces and nephews they called him Uncle Dad, along with his closest, bestest friends Ms. Sunceray “Rae” Lamb, Charles “Chuck” Jones, and many dear friends who loved him like family. Julian “Butch” Watson was unequivocally cherished, deeply loved, and will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the laughter he sparked, the love he gave, and the example he set — a Black Man of strength, humility, faith, generosity, and unwavering devotion. Julian Saford “Butch” Watson, at the incredible age of 77, entered God’s eternal peace on July 18, 2026. Born in Toledo, Ohio, he carried the pride of a Scott High School Bulldog, graduating in 1969. In 1970, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving until 1974 as an Electrician’s Mate, ranked E 4. His service took him across the world — Vietnam, Hong Kong, Australia, the Pacific, and the Philippines. It was in Vietnam that he went to war for the United States of America, a sacrifice he carried with quiet strength throughout his life. That same year, he married his high school sweetheart, Kathleen F. Smith, beginning a love story rooted in loyalty, partnership, and devotion. After returning home, he began a 30 year career with Ohio Bell (later Ameritech/AT&T), working as a journeyman and earning the respect of everyone who had the privilege of working beside him. After retiring from Ohio Bell, Butch took a sabbatical to pour his hands and heart into his home — building an addition himself — and helping raise his first grandchild, Ja’Vonte' Julian Neal. Being a grandfather was the light that guided his days as one of his greatest joys, and he embraced it with the same dedication he gave to everything else. Later, he joined the United States Postal Service, where he devoted another 30 years and collected even more friends, as if his spirit didn’t already attract enough people. Butch’s greatest love — after his three daughters, “Butch’s Girls” — was being an exemplary example of a Black man, father, and grandfather. His daughters, Toia (Ja’Vonte’, Taylor Sole’, Maximus), Camille (Lil Rob, Robert (RJ), Donavon), and Tamika (Ryian Kathleen, Roderick), were the foundation of everything he cherished, the core of his love and purpose for a full loving life” He poured into them strength, humor, protection, faith and pride. He extended that same love to all 8 of his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and every young person who looked up to him. He had a gift for making people feel included. If Butch was hosting a gathering — whether family, USPS coworkers, Ohio Bell friends, or someone he met along life’s journey — you were welcomed like family literally. His backyard was his oasis, his kingdom, his favorite place to be. As long as he was outside, he was in his element. Weather didn’t matter; he simply adapted. That was who he was — steady, present, and joyful in the simplest moments. His laugh was unforgettable — loud, infectious, and guaranteed to pull you in. If you heard Butch laughing, you wanted to know what the story was, because you knew it was going to be good. His spirit and aura were magnetic, full of kindness, humor, and warmth people wanted to be near. He was preceded in eternal life by his parents, Mrs. Patricia Ann Lundy Watson and Mr. Larry Eugene Watson, his brothers Ronald Tyrone Harrison and Larry Eugene Watson, and his loving sister Gloria Jean Harris. After the passing of his beloved Kathy 7 years and 5 months ago, Butch retired and devoted even more time to his girls and his grandchildren: Ja’Vonte' (27), Ryian (21), Taylor (20), Little Rob (20), Robert (RJ) (20), Donavon (20), Roderick (19), and Maximus (15). He also cherished his loving, kind hearted nieces and nephews they called him Uncle Dad, along with his closest, bestest friends Ms. Sunceray “Rae” Lamb, Charles “Chuck” Jones, and many dear friends who loved him like family. Julian “Butch” Watson was unequivocally cherished, deeply loved, and will be profoundly missed by all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the laughter he sparked, the love he gave, and the example he set — a Black Man of strength, humility, faith, generosity, and unwavering devotion.

Julian "Butch" Watson

May 6, 1949 - July 18, 2026