Memorial service will be Wednesday at 11am , August 6 at Church of The Good Shepard for William Wayne Watson, 85, of Anniston who died on August 3, 2014. Rev. Robert Wilkerson will officiate. Crestwood Funeral Home is in charge.
He was a highly respected community leader in Calhoun County. He was an active member in the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce having served many years as a Board member, and served on the Governmental Affairs Committee and the Military Affairs Committee up until his retirement from B.R. Williams Trucking, Inc. As the Industrial Relations Chairman, he was awarded the 1995 Chairman's Cup, an award presented to a Chamber of Commerce Board Member who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in making significant contributions on behalf of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce.
He first got involved in the trucking industry when he leased two trucks on to Georgia Highway Express in 1957. He continued in the transportation industry where he worked his way up to leading the transportation department at Alabama Pipe Company. He then was recruited to join B.R. Williams Trucking, Inc. in August of 1971. At B.R. Williams, He served as Terminal Manager, Director of Operations and the Office of Secretary for the corporation. Under his leadership, the company grew not only in operations and size, but also in stature within the trucking industry. He always exemplified integrity, honesty and tireless dedication, willing to take on any task necessary to enhance the operations for B.R. Williams. This included filling a driver's seat whenever the need became necessary.
He became affiliated with the Alabama Trucking Association (ATA) when he became a member in the early 1960's. In August of 1988, he was awarded the Marcus Whitman Transportation Award. He also went on to receive the 2000 H. Chester Webb Award for Distinguished Service from the Alabama Trucking Association. He served as Chairman of the Board of the ATA in 2005-2006. He retired from B.R. Williams Trucking after 38 years.
He graduated from Anniston High School in 1948 and was active in the Old AHS Alumni Group. He played football for Jacksonville State University; and in the 40's and 50's played in the Rhythmaires , a swing band from Anniston.
He loved the trucking business, his Honda Goldwing motorcycle, Alabama football, NASCAR, pontooning on the river, his old Ford truck and his dog Daisy. At age 74, he fulfilled his dream of a motorcycle road trip out west, up the coast of California and on to Jasper Alberta and the Ice Highway.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Ellie Mae Watson, his first wife, Carol Tanner Watson, son William Lee Watson, and brother Herman Watson, Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Minnie L. Watson, son Brain K. Watson, daughter in law Sally Minshew Watson and grandchildren Will and Sarah Watson, of Greenville, Sc.
The family requests no flowers. Memorials can be made to the Presbyterian Children's Home in Talladega or the Cerebral Palsy Center of East Central Alabama.