Raymond "Ray" Watson, Jr.

Raymond “Ray” Lee Watson Jr., age 59, of Ocean Springs, passed away on Wednesday, February 23rd, 2022, peacefully in his home, with his family by his side.

Ray was born in McKeesport, PA in 1962 to his late parents, Raymond Sr. & Donna Watson. He and his late sister, Dawn grew up in Stockton, California and finished out his high school years in Vacaville, California. During his school years, Ray met Mark Lightell and they became good friends. Meeting Mark allowed Ray to meet Deborah, who then became the love of his life. After graduation, Ray decided to join the United States Navy where he served for 8 years. After he served in the Navy, Ray came back to Vacaville, California and pursued his relationship with Deborah. After knowing each other for years, they decided to date and eventually marry on July 14th of 1990. After being married, it led them to Elk Grove, California where they settled down to raise a family. Following his father’s footsteps, Ray became a truck driver for almost 30 years (the apple doesn’t fall from the tree, lol). In the years to come, Ray and Deborah had two beautiful kids, Katelyn and Corey. After some time in California, Ray and Deborah decided to move to South Mississippi in 2005. They then built their dream home where they continued to raise their children.

Ray loved to host BBQs, swim parties, crawfish boils etc... Anything to bring family and friends together with smiles all around. To know Ray was to love him in every kind of way. He was a big ole teddy bear, and some called him Sully.

In 2014, Ray walked his daughter down the aisle to the love of her life, Brandon McGuire. As Rays family was growing, it grew even larger in 2017 when his granddaughter Haven Belle was born. She was the light of his life, and he was her poppop. There are no words to describe the amazing relationship those two had. Ray also enjoyed fishing with his sons, Corey and Brandon during the summers. If it was outdoors, Ray was always for it. He loved his Saints football as well as his Bourbon and coke.

Family time was most important to Ray. His heart grew even bigger when his nieces, nephew and brother-in-law moved to Florida. After being able to see them more, he was blessed with a great nephew. His world was complete, he had everything he has ever wanted…family, friends, love, and laughter.

Ray is survived by his wife, Deborah Watson; his daughter, Katelyn McGuire (Brandon); his son Corey Watson; and his granddaughter, Haven Belle McGuire; his nieces, Samantha (Francisco “Paco”), Sandra; his brother-in-law, Richard Pace; and his great nephew Bentley; his brothers-in-law, Mike Lightell (Karen), Mark Lightell (Monica); and his nephews, Mark Jr., Chris, and Mikey.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Ray Sr. & Donna Watson, his sister Dawn Pace and his grandchild, Brooklyn Rae Watson.

The funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, with the visitation for family and friends starting at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.

Please visit www.riemannfamily.com to sign and share your memories of Ray.