Paul Watson
Dr. Paul “Po” Joseph Watson, Professor Emeritus in the UTC Department of Psychology, passed away at the age of 70, peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, March 10, 2019.
He was born in Bay City, Texas. Having been drafted into the Army, he served in Turkey during the Vietnam War. This experience led him to be a Quaker. He was a member at The Chattanooga Friends Meeting, worshipping and serving for over 20 years. He made his way to Tennessee when he accepted the position of Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1977. He taught in the department for over 41 years, as well as in the University Honors Program, retiring only due to his health. It is estimated that over 35,000 students were taught and impacted by his teaching, most of whom will remember that “Life is complex”, if nothing else. He was one of the most productive researchers on campus, publishing over 200 research articles. Research and writing were his hobby. He could get lost in it for hours. A close second was reading. “So many books, so little time” describes his love of reading. He also loved college football, including attending UTC football games, attending any event his nephews and grandsons were participating in and watching British murder-mysteries with his wife. His connection with UHON afforded him and Jackie the amazing opportunity to travel abroad, providing incredible memories for them both.
He was preceded in death by his father, Paul Watson; step-father, Lee Norman; grandmothers, Nettie Barnes, Malinda Watson.
He leaves behind to cherish his memories his wife of 38 years, Jackie Watson, daughter Megan (Toria) Watson, daughter-in-law, Rebekah Carter, son, Joshua Watson, mother, Marian Norman, mother-in-law, Clare Emery, brother, Geoff (Barbara Shaffer) Norman, sisters-in-law, Kelly Norman, Patty Emery, brothers-in-law, David Emery, Darryl Emery, nieces, Katlyn Emery, Lindsay (Zach) Hagermaker. And finally, Po’s boys, nephews Brandon (fiancé Brittany Roberts) Emery, Ross Norman, grandsons, Tyler Watson, Henry Watson-. His love for these four could not be measured.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of the Hospice Care Center for their excellent loving care of Paul.
A memorial service will be held at Patten Chapel, UTC, on Sunday, March 24, at 2 p.m. A reception will follow after at the Patten House, UTC.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chattanooga Friends Meeting, 335 Crestway Drive, Chattanooga, Tn. 37411; The Gavin Townsend Memorial Travel Fund, http://give.utc.edu/townsend; or Hospice of Chattanooga, 4411 Oakwood Drive, Chattanooga, Tn. 37416.
“Dr. Watson was simply a lovely person, who loved his family, and cared deeply for his students. In these self-absorbed times, he was a model of selfless commitment, humility, and kindness that made those around him want to be better.”