Alfred "Al" Watson Sr., age 94 of Keystone Heights, Florida, died at home peacefully and comfortably surrounded by his family and caring Haven Hospice personal.

Al was born September 30, 1914 in Patterson, N.J.

He attended Rutgers University until his family moved to Melrose, Florida in 1934. He attended the University of Florida. At the same time he was a co business partner with his father in Watson and Son Meat Packing Company.

He met his future wife, Agnes Wright, at the University of Fla. in 1935. On June 3, 1936, he married his sweetheart and lived a wonderful life with her until her death on January 28, 2006. In 1937, he moved to Keystone and opened Watson's Grocery Store. He owned and operated an extremely successful grocery store until he sold it in 1975.

Al will not only be remembered as an accomplished grocer but will also be remembered as a dominate promoter of civic, church and educational activities in the Keystone/Melrose region.

His civic activities included being a member of the Keystone Heights town council for three two year terms. He was involved with Boy Scout servicing as a scout leader and Chairman of the Keystone Boy Scout Committee. He, also, sponsored a Boy Scout Troop.

Al was a charter member of the Keystone Heights Rotary Club. He was a Paul Harris Fellow benefactor as well as a Paul Harris Fellow. He has been a past director in all the avenues of the Keystone Heights Rotary Club as well as Past President. He was a sponsor of the Interact Club of Rotary. Al was also a generous contributor to the Mayo Clinic, especially in supporting research for Alzheimer's disease.

In 2003, Al was awarded "Humanitarian Of The Year" by the North Florida Regional Chamber of Commerce. He was very active in the regional Hospice Organization and contributed toward building a Hospice patient care area in Gainesville Hospice facility. In addition he was a volunteer of the Hospice of North Central Florida.

Because of Al's outstanding civic contributions the City Council and Mayor of Keystone Heights declared an Al Watson Day in 2003. The Florida House of Representatives, also, established an Al Watson Day in House District 21 in 2003.

Al was a member of the Community Church in Keystone he taught Sunday School and was also Superintendent of the Sunday School. He then became a member of the Faith Presbyterian Church where he was an elder and Sunday School teacher. Then later he became an active member of the Keystone Heights United Methodist Church. He served as a Stephen Minister providing emotional and spiritual support to individuals who were home bound. He was, also, a member of the Tuesday's morning Men's Prayer Group. He contributed financial support for the building of the Methodist Fellowship Hall.

Al's continued support in the education of the regional youth through financial contribution has been significant. He has been a major supporter in the organization, Take Stock In Children. He, also, was involved in Florida Youth Challenge helping young people return to productive life. However, his most significant contribution toward education was his involvement in the development of the Watson Center of the Santa Fe Community College in Keystone Heights. Al's dream was to develop a higher education facility for the youth of the Keystone/Melrose area: Through his organization and leadership skills and financial support, Al saw his dream come true. Al enjoyed his leisure time playing golf with his wife, Aggie, and taking cruises/vacations with his wife and children. He was also an avid Gator Supporter.

Survivors include his two children, Aggie Green and her husband, Ron, of Dowling Park, Florida, Dr. Alfred Watson, Jr. and his wife, Barbara of Sugar Land, Texas; five grandchildren, Carrie Chaney and her husband Gary, Kathy Adelmen and her husband Mitch, Kelly Jackson and her husband Brack, Sam McBride and his wife Kari, Robert Watson and his wife Jennith; nine great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

The viewing will be held Friday evening, May 8th, between 5:30 and 7:30 P.M. at Moring Funeral Home in Melrose. A Funeral service will be held Saturday, May 9th. at 11:00 A.M. at Keystone Heights United Methodist Church with lunch following. A Private family burial will take place at a later time.

Al stated the following, " I wish at the time of my death my obituary state, in lieu of flowers celebrate my memory by taking a loved one, either family or friend, to lunch". The Watson family would appreciate you observing Al's wish and take someone to lunch in stead of sending flowers.