REST FOR WAR HERO
Lifelong Lakewood resident George B. Watson Sr., one of the Tuskegee Airmen, dies at 96
MIKE DAVIS @BYMIKEDAVIS LAKEWOOD - George B. Watson Sr. was known throughout the Shore as one of the original Tuskegee Airmen.
He told the war stories thousands of times over the years, in classrooms or veteran events — or, more likely, in the living room of the Watson family’s split level home in Lakewood.
But, on Tuesday, it was his children sharing the stories of not only an Air Force veteran, but a “great father, a mentor and a humanitarian,” as his youngest son, Maurice Watson, described him.
The elder Watson died June 19 due to complications from pneumonia.
His death was announced by the family on Tuesday. Watson was 96 years old.
Services are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Calvary Lighthouse Church, just a few hundred feet away from the Watson home on East County Line Road in Lakewood.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks mourners to make contributions in his name to the Honorable Hannibal Cox Tuition Assistance Fund, in honor of Watson’s many efforts over the years to support students.
“He was always very passionate about talking to students, telling them to strive for it. He’d say, ‘You have to get your education and go forth,’” said Tina Watson, his daughter.
Watson volunteered for the U.S. Army in February 1942 and, after a short stay at then-Fort Dix, was part of the first group of recruits sent to an all-black military base in Tuskegee, Alabama.
Serving with the “Tuskegee Airmen,” as they became known, Watson was stationed mostly in Italy.
For his service, Watson was awarded a Purple Heart and the entire 332nd Fighter Group was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007.
The war stories became a part of Watson’s legend within the community.
His favorite was that of “Operation Fuel Tanks,” when he and
“It was always, ‘You’ve got to fight for your country. This is where you are. This is where you were born.’ ”
TINA WATSON
DAUGHTER OF GEORGE B. WATSON SR.

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A hero.

I always looked down in awe when I flew over the Tuskegee airport on my way to Birmingham.

Thank you and RIP.

A warrior in every sense of the word. Fly west, young man!!

I know his grandson Bryce quite well as we share the hobby of flying radio control jets. He really admired his grandfather and took inspiration from him and became an airline pilot.

RIP Sir.