Thomas Watson Obituary

Thomas E. Watson Wellford, SC Grand Master of Masons Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of South Carolina Thomas "Tommy" Evans Watson was born November 17, 1952, in Greer, S.C. to the late Rev. Choice and Grace Watson of Lyman, S.C. He leaves behind a daughter, Bridget Watson (Chris) of Gaffney, S.C; a son, Cory Watson (Dawn) of Greer and a grandson Jensen "Lil Dude" Watson, and his faithful companion "Bubba." Also surviving are one sister, Peggy Collins (Dennis), and two brothers, Billy Watson (Angie) and Bradley Watson, four great nephews, a large loving extended family, his LEO family, a multitude of friends, and an entire fraternity of Masonic Brothers from near, far, and wide. Tommy was a bold, passionate, loyal "good ole boy" who loved hard with his entire heart. His life was centered around his faith, family, and the Lodge. Tommy was an avid Clemson Tigers fan, and if he was not in his Masonic attire, you more than likely saw him in his orange and purple! He loved his motorcycle and talking firearms. He will be remembered as an incredible father, grandfather, brother, uncle, great uncle, great grandpa, friend, boss, leader, and one impactful Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Freemasons of South Carolina. He was educated in the Public Schools in New Orleans, Louisiana and in Spartanburg County District Five. He graduated from James F. Byrnes High School in 1971. He attended the Baptist College of Charleston (Charleston Southern). He served in the United States Air Force from 1972 to 1976 during the Viet Nam Era, where he was an Electronics Technician on the B-52 Stratofortress. He was promoted to the rank of Sgt. in 1974. He was named Base Airman of the Month at Lowery AFB, Denver, Colorado in January, 1973. He was stationed at Robbins AFB in Georgia and Anderson AFB in Guam. He entered Law Enforcement in 1977 with the Duncan Police. In 1981, he was appointed Chief of Police for the Town of Lyman. In 1983, he became Director of Public Safety for the town of Lyman. In 1990, he was hired as the Chief of Police for the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, where he served during the 9-11 Crisis. He retired from Law Enforcement in 2011. He served as the President of the South Carolina Police Chiefs' Association in 2002. He was trained as a grief counselor with the National Organization of Victims Assistance in early 2001 and was deployed to Ground Zero in September, 2001 to assist the NY-NJ Ports Authority Police. He was elected Mayor for the City of Wellford in 2011 where he served one term. He was initiated, passed, and raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason in 1978 at Irving Southworth Lodge #350 in Lyman, South Carolina. He served his Lodge as Master in 1984 and 2016. He was appointed District Deputy Grand Master of the 21st Masonic District by Most Worshipful Grand Master Ron Mitchum in 2006 and was re-appointed by Most Worshipful Grand Master Gerald Carver in 2007. He served as Masonic Education Committeeman for the 19th 20th and 21st Masonic Districts from 2012-2017 and Grand Marshal from 2017 to 2019. He was elected Junior Grand Warden in April, 2019, Senior Grand Warden in April 2021, Deputy Grand Master in 2023, and was Elected Most Worshipful Grand Master in 2025. In 2017, he was presented with the second highest award in Masonry in SC, the Frederick Dalcho Certificate of Merit, by Most Worshipful Brother Michael D. Smith, Sr. In 2019, he received the Albert Gallatin Mackey Medal, the highest Masonic Award in South Carolina. He received his degrees in the York Rite of Free Masonry and was knighted as a Knights Templar on September 10. 2007. He is a member of Chicora Chapter #33 where he served as Excellent High Priest in 2013, Blake Council #19 where he served as Illustrious Master in 2014 and Spartanburg Commandry #3 where he served as Eminent Commander in 2015. He was appointed District Deputy Grand Commander for the 4th District in 2016. He is a member of the Spartan Council #153 AMD where he served as Sovereign Master. He is a member of the Sam Womack Chapter #20 of the Knight Masons, Piedmont York Right College #84, and Super Excellent Master of Aiken Council #23. He was inducted into the Order of the Red Cross of Constantine in 2017. Tommy is a member of the Lyman Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star where he served as Worthy Patron. He received the Royal Order of Scotland in 2016. He received his degrees in the Palmetto Forest No. 206, Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America in 2017. Tommy is a Noble of the Hejaz Temple of the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He served as President of Mid-City Shrine Club in 1986. He received the Masonic Order of Althalstan on June 22, 2019. He received his degrees in the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite in 1985. He was honored with the Rank and Decoration of a Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in 2009 and was crowned as a 33rd Degree Inspector General Honorary in 2015. He served Spartanburg Valley in many capacities, but his favorite was being the Americanism Chairman, where he ensures that the ROTC and JROTC awards are given with Pride and Dignity. He was inducted into the South Carolina South Carolina College Societas Rosicruciana In Civitatibus on October 29, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 5PM on Saturday, August 09, 2025 at Duncan First Baptist Church with Masonic Rites. The family will receive friends from 2:30PM until 4:30PM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the SC Grand Lodge Library and Museum in memory of Thomas Watson. SC Grand Lodge AFM P.O. Box 2185 Lexington, SC 29071 Condolences may be made at www.striblingfuneralhome.net Stribling Funeral Home Duncan, SC