Grady Watson

Grady Ercelle Watson, Jr, age 71, of Melrose, FL, passed away suddenly on April 29, 2024, at his home. He was born on June 24, 1952, in Williston, FL, to Ercelle and Betty Lee (Arrington) Watson. He grew up on the family farm and developed a passion for tractors and farming. Grady was a 1970 graduate of Chiefland High School where he was the President of the FFA Chapter. After a short stint at Central Florida College, he returned home and began farming full time. He enjoyed growing watermelons, cutting hay, and raising cattle. He soon began a job with the State of Florida Ag inspection station. Grady then took a job at the GP plant in Chiefland. When GP opened a new plant in Hawthorne, Grady moved to Melrose. He retired from GP after 30 years. He wasn’t ready for the retirement life so he went to work for the University of Florida in their maintenance department until he was forced to retire for medical reasons. Grady loved being in the woods, hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Cracker Boys Hunting Club and enjoyed staying at the Triple Low 7 Hunting Camp. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Grady is survived by his loving wife of almost 43 years, Karen (Faircloth) Watson of Melrose; his children, Kimberly Keough of Melrose, he was a Papa to his special granddaughter, Kyleigh; Ian Pate of France, and Farah (Rick) Betsill and their children Nathanael, Lily, and Naomi all of Hampton, GA; his siblings, Cynthia Sheffield, Justin (Kathie) Watson, and Gregg Waston all of Trenton; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

A funeral to honor Grady’s life will be held on Monday, May 6, at 3:00 PM at the Pine Grove Baptist Church. The family will receive friends for a visitation beginning at 2:00 PM at the church. He will be laid to rest next to his parents in the church cemetery. Immediately following the graveside service, everyone will be invited to the church fellowship hall for a time of remembrance and refreshments with the family. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Waston Milton Funeral Home, Trenton, FL. 352-463-8888. www.WatsonMilton.com