Alan Ray Watson

Alan Ray Watson, a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, minister and friend, passed away on Wednesday, October 29 at the age of 72 in Greenville, SC, after several months of illness. His family gathered around him in prayer as he left his earthly body.

Alan’s life impacted thousands of people during his 37 years of ministry. He was a lifelong learner and held several post-graduate degrees in ministry and counseling. During his career, he ministered at Northwest Church of Christ in St. Petersburg, FL, 53rd Avenue Church of Christ in Bradenton, FL, Southwest Church of Christ in Omaha, NE, Clemson Church of Christ in Clemson, SC, Bay Area Church of Christ in Tampa, FL and First Christian Church in Newton, NC. Through his decades of ministry, he was known for his deep devotion to studying and teaching the Bible, and for his Christ-like compassion and love for everyone. Alan also founded Nebraska Christian Services, an adoption agency in Omaha, NE, that would go on to place countless children in loving permanent homes. After retirement, he continued teaching Bible studies at his church and in his home.

For nearly a decade Alan took groups to Mexico to build houses for impoverished communities. He also delivered Meals on Wheels for many years in Clemson and Greenville, SC.

Alan was a patient and gentle man. Slow to anger, quick to forgive. He came from humble and unfair beginnings but rose above his circumstances without bitterness. Throughout his life he demonstrated mercy and forgiveness that would be unfathomable to many.

As a husband and father, Alan always put his family first. He met Cindy, his wife of nearly 52 years, in a tennis class at Manatee Junior College in Florida in 1970. Their desire to grow closer to God together and to raise a Christian family guided them well over the next half century. Alan and Cindy’s marriage was Christ-centered and served as an example for countless other couples. They had three sons and four granddaughters. Alan relished the role of grandfather and especially loved playing board games with his granddaughters. He also had a very close relationship with his sister, Kathy.

He loved the outdoors and wildlife, whether it was watching birds and raccoons in his backyard or elk on the Blue Ridge Parkway. He and Cindy spent many days hiking and exploring scenic roads in the mountains. He was also a writer of short stories, novels and poetry.

Alan is survived by his wife, Cindy Watson, and their three sons, Philip Watson (Emily), Stephen Watson (Meghan) and Daniel Watson (Kendra); his sister, Kathy Linn; his granddaughters, Anna Claire Watson, Harper Watson, Maggie Watson and Sophia Watson; and his cat, Cece.

A memorial service will be held at 12 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4 at Holland Park Church, 1131 Holland Road, Simpsonville, SC.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Holland Park Church in Simpsonville, SC, or Meals on Wheels Greenville.