Sydney (Paw Syd) Allen Watson age 85 of Deep Gap passed away Wednesday April 15, 2026, at Ashe Memorial Hospital.

He was born September 13, 1940, in Watauga County to the late Willard and Ora Watson. He married Reba Greene February 2, 1963.

He was preceded in death by his brothers Herbert and Joe and his sisters Helen, Pansy, Bonnie, and Sally.

Whenever you met Syd, you were greeted with a smile, and it didn't take long for him to talk about the Lord and his favorite things to do, cutting wood, fishing, and hunting or spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Syd was a deacon at Cornerstone Baptist Church for 29 years. He loved his church family and was a faithful member of the church and the prayer room where his heart tried to encourage the men and to "carry on." He greeted people with his favorite "thumbs Up" and usually "thumbs up" as they left.

Those left to carry on are his wife Reba of 63 years and is a perfect example of a "virtuous woman" his daughters Tina Severt and husband George, Polly Miller and husband Bryan and Jennifer Bryan and husband Anthony who he taught anything he would have if they were boys. His grandchildren Sydeena Isaacs and husband Tom, Seirena Richardson and husband Tyler, John Bryan and wife Ashlynn, Josh Bryan and wife Lindsay, great-grandchildren Madie, Katy, Hazel Richardson, Arlie Bryan, Leora Isaacs, Lainey Bryan, Jackson Bryan, Ransom Isaacs and Lawson Bryan. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, church family and a community who will miss him greatly.

If he could say anything back to us, he would say carry it out and win one more soul for Jesus.

Funeral services will be conducted 3:00 PM Sunday April 19, 2026, at Cornerstone Baptist Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pastor Eric Proffitt and Pastor Bryan Miller will officiate.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00, prior to the service.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church c/o Jim Watson P.O. Box 565 Deep Gap, North Carolina 28618.

Online condolences may be sent to the Watson Family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.