Retired Army Master Sgt. Roy L. Watson, 77, born in Putney, W.Va., native of Fayetteville, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 1, 2008, at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. He was born Oct. 26, 1930, to Christopher Columbus Lum Watson and Bessie Brewer. Before entering the Army, he worked in the timber mills and in the coal mines. In 1947, Mr. Watson enlisted in the Army, serving his country during the Japanese occupation period, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He served with the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team (RAKASANS) Korean War, 82nd Airborne Division, MAC V-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Studies and Observation Group) and 5th Special Forces Group (A) Vietnam, 3rd Special Forces Group (A), and John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center & School. Mr. Watson was awarded the Purple Heart for bravery and valor during the Korean War, the Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster and a Master Parachutist badge with two combat jumps. During his enlistment, Mr. Watson was an attendant of Class 1, U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA) opening Jan. 12, 1973, at Fort Bliss, Texas. Upon the completion of his military service, Mr. Watson went on to work and also retired from civil service, where he again worked with the Special Forces. Mr. Watson is survived by his wife, Lucille Watson, whom he was married and loved for 52 years; a son, Michael Lee Watson, his wife, Mary Lee Watson, their son, Benjamin Lee Watson, their eldest daughter, Beverly Kay Syfrett, and their youngest daughter, Brendan Gail Dukic; by his grandchildren, Michael Todd Watson, Cara Lea Watson Whitt, Michael Andrew Syfrett Jr., Taylor Paige Syfrett and Sydney Jordan Dukic; and his great-grandchildren, McKenzie LeeAnn Watson, Kelly Renee Watson, Kadie Beth Watson, Aimee Nicole Carr and Serena Dawn Whitt. Services will be held at Lafayette Baptist Church at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2008, with Dr. Brian Lee officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Lafayette Memorial Park. Viewing will be at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home today, June 3, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. Our dad was a very dedicated husband and father. He had an enormous love for his family and enjoyed spending time with us. He enjoyed the outdoors, mostly hunting and fishing. Roy L. Watson was a longtime member of Lafayette Baptist Church. Roy enjoyed attending his Sunday school class and the comradeship with his fellow class members. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Emery and John Paul Watson. When times got tough, Dad would always say, "We