Watson, William Stephenson (Steve)

William Stephenson (Steve) Watson, 64, of Blacksburg finished his race on earth on March 10,2012. He was born and raised in Charleston, W. Va. and he earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia in German, a Master’s of Divinity from Columbia Seminary in Atlanta, Ga. and a Master’s of Arts in English from Radford University. As an ordained Presbyterian minister, Steve served Presbyterian churches in Lumberton, N.C., West Alice, Wis., and Sinks Grove, W.Va. Before retiring on disability more than 20 years ago, Steve served as an adjunct faculty member, teaching freshman English and humanities at Virginia Western Community College, where his students loved him. Steve served as an inspiration of how to live a faithful life, despite his multiple health challenges over many years. He was a member of Blacksburg Presbyterian Church, where he loved to participate in church services. Steve often joked that he didn’t sing with the choir in the choir loft because the congregation needed him downstairs to lead them in singing and where he could often be heard to hum along with the choir’s anthems. He was often moved by the word of God and how it applied to his life resulting in open tears of joy during worship. Steve was an avid gardener and even when his walking was unsteady and his energy low, insisted he had to “go to the garden” to check on his vegetables. He often grew his own seedlings for his garden, even while healing from brain surgery. Steve loved music and could surprise many with his knowledge of music and musicians, despite his short term memory loss. Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Orris and Buelah Watson; his brother, Michael; and a special caregiver, Ray Linkous, who motivated and sustained him for nine months of his last year of life. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his lovely bride, Karen Watson; his beloved caregiver, Jamie Cox, who cared for Steve like he was his father; and his close friends, Jim Lawrence, Suzanne Wiley, and Jennifer Bandas. He is survived by his daughters, Jenna Fromal, Anna Brust, Leah Herron; his five grandchildren, Nina, Xachary, Shaun and Amie Fromal, and Maxx Marshal; and his two brothers, Larry and Phil Watson. His sense of humor, Cheshire cat smile, love and easy going demeanor will be missed by all. Steve’s family would like to thank his team of talented physicians, Dr. William Hendricks, Dr. Brent Chapman, and Dr. Gordon Burch, who became close family friends and who sustained and enabled him to live a strong, rich life for more than 20 years. They would also like to thank his other caregivers, Stephan Wallace, Houston Rutledge, Debra Corbit, and Donna Hatcher. Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be sent to Blacksburg Presbyterian Church’s Building Fund, P.O. Box 144, Blacksburg, VA 24060. He will be interred in the church columbarium. A memorial service celebrating Steve’s life will be held on Tuesday, March 13, 2012, 2 p.m., at Blacksburg Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Dr. Charles Taylor officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home.