Obituary of William Ralph Watson

William "Willie" Ralph Watson, 84, passed away May 4, 2018. He was born on July 19, 1933 in Columbia, South Carolina to Ralph and Katie Ridlehoover Watson.

Willie is survived by his wife Lois, daughters; Debbie Areheart (Wayne), Gloria Watson (Mary), Katie Conley (Bruce) and Joan Tatum (Alan).  He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Jo Ann Sherrod.

He loved his role as husband, father and grandfather to his "grandbabies".  When recently asked what his greatest adventure in life was, after a brief emotional pause, his response was "A blind date".  He and 'Ms. Lois' were married for 63 years. Willie served in the U.S. Air Force as a radio controller in Germany during the Korean War.  He then went on to work for The State newspaper as a Printer/Pressman, where he retired after 35 years.  He owned and operated Columbia Cab Company and was also the inspiration and main character of "Willie's Way" (a book about customer service) which remains one of the highlights of his life.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, May 7, 2018 at Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church in West Columbia. Interment will be in the Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends following services in the fellowship hall.

The family wishes to thank Lutheran Hospice, the staff and residents of Lexington Place for their care, friendship and loving support for the past several years.

Memorials can be made to Lutheran Hospice or Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church in West Columbia, SC.