Tommy Lee Watson was born February 16, 1951 in Gastonia, NC to the late Sampson and Molease Watson. He was the youngest son of his parent's eleven children. Tommy Lee grew up in Lexington, NC and was educated in the Lexington City Schools System. Tommy, Macy and Martha were very close as youth and he was always extremely protective of his sisters. As a child, Tommy was wise, a quiet person, who was affectionately called "Tic."

In 1969 Tommy enrolled in the United States Marine Corps. He served honorably in Vietnam where he was decorated with the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze campaign stars, two Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citations and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. In addition, Tommy was a Member of the VFW & American Legion Post 255.

Tommy was always considered a man of few words. He enjoyed riding his lawnmower and a good cigar. He was a humble soul who made the best sweet potato pie in the world. He was an extremely hard worker who believed in providing for his family above all else. Tommy had few passions, but one that was dear to his heart was his participation in and work with narcotics anonymous (NA).It was there that he met and later married the love of his life, Cynthia Watson, who predeceased him in February of 2012. Tommy had the gift of being able to speak to anyone and he loved his dogs; but few things brought Tommy as much joy as spending time with his grandchildren.

Tommy leaves to cherish fond memories, his children: Carla Brown (Phenix), Nikki Watson, Brooke Darby, Brian Watson (Clara) and Brock Grace (Dawnielle).He will be fondly missed by his seven grandchildren: Rick, Davon, Mykel, Jordan, Bria, Zo« and Skylr. Tommy was also preceded in death by his siblings Robert, James, Charlie and Sampson as well as his brothers-in-law Lawrence Smith and Wade Brown; but he will forever be remembered by his siblings William Watson (Mary), Mary Harrell (Bill), Blondia Smith (Larry), Martha Brown (Wade), Masie Lassiter (James) and Gladys Walser (Raymond).

A private service will be Wednesday October 7, 2020 at Roberts Funeral Service.Burial will be Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 10:00a.m. at Salisbury National Cemetery.Public viewing will be Tuesday, October 6, 2020 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm at Roberts Funeral Service.