Harris Watson

Mr. Harris "Bill" Roy Watson, age 78, passed away Monday, April 2, 2007 at North Ottawa Community Hospital. He was born March 23, 1929 in Muskegon, MI, to the late Howard and the late Louise (Gimmer) Watson. At the age of 17, Harris enlisted in the United States Army Air Force, serving during the American Occupation of Japan. Upon completion of his military service, he returned home to Muskegon where, throughout his life, he worked on the ferry docks, at Continental Motors, CWC, Marathon Oil Refinery for many years, and was a heavy equipment operator manning the Big Michigan loader for coal handling. After retiring, he went to work part-time at Harbor Transit in Grand Haven. In his younger days, Harris played amateur hockey. He was a past Commander of Fruitport VFW Post #3734 and was a current member of the Polar Bear VFW Post# 3195. He never forgot America's MIA or POW soldiers, proudly supporting efforts to keep the public aware of their sacrifices; and even corresponded with one of our soldiers during Desert Storm. Harris married Miss Shirley Ann Pulsifer on May 14, 1955, who preceded him in death on March 16, 2006. Also preceding Harris in death was his brother, Forrest "Doc" Watson. Surviving are five children: William (Rene) Watson, Darroll (Christina) Watson, Brian (Tina) Watson, Krisena (William) Rieger, and Jason Watson; six grandchildren: Tim, Jeff, Andrea, Josh, Andrew, and Brendan; three great grandchildren: Lexie, Ethan and Landen; his brothers and sisters: Richard (Margo) Watson, Betty Carson, Nancy (Clarence) Perry, and Mary (Benjamin) Stanziano; and sister-in-law, Naomi Watson. FUNERAL SERVICES for Harris will be Friday, April 6th at 11:00 a.m. at Ever Rest Funeral Home & Chapel, 1783 E. Keating Ave., with Pastor Tim Jones officiating. VISITATION will be on Thursday, April 5th from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest next to Shirley in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be directed to VFW Post #3195.