THE BEGINNING Thomas Watson (TL) was born, third child of six to Lorraine R. Watson, on January 17, 1951. Raised up and baptized at Macedonia Baptist Church, at an early age.

EDUCATION Tommy attended public schools in East St. Louis, Illinois. He graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School in 1971. Not stopping, he continued on to pursue a degree in Journalism from SIU-Edwardsville.

EXTENDING FAMILY Tommy married Crystal Scott on May 29, 1976. Later, On November 10, 1982, his only child, Jamail Johnny Watson was born.

CAREER Tommy worked at the public library in East St. Louis (while going to school). He later obtained a position as a moderate AMT at Granite City Steel and retired after 38 years.

LIFE'S ENJOYMENTS If you knew him, you knew he was a funny, joking guy. Tommy was also an avid reader and retained all types of information. He could recite the Bible as if he wrote it. At the age of 12, Tommy started boxing and went all he way to the Golden Gloves. He went at it with all of his heart. After a while he started teaching young boys boxing. Tommy loved his music, especially the Temptations. He could tell you all you needed to know about them. The Temptations and Muhammad Ali were his favorite pastimes.

THE ENDING After a few years of retirement and failing health, his life of earth came to a halt on the afternoon of November 23, 2024, while a patient at Superior Manor Care in Festus, MO.

LEGACY Tommy was preceded in death by his mother, Lorraine Watson and one brother, Vernon E. Watson. He leaves to mourn his loss, son, Rev. Jamail (Tanisha) Watson; two beautiful granddaughters, Riyan and Reagan; two brothers, Willie Perry of Swansea, IL, Pastor Herman (Sandra) Watson, Sr. of Fairview Heights, IL; two sisters, Michele (Jimmie) Jackson of Belleville, IL, Kelessie Floore of East St. Louis, IL, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, close cousins, and many friends over the years.