Ben Samuel "Pete" Watson

NEWTON…Mr. Ben Samuel “Pete” Watson, a resident of Newton, died early Sunday afternoon, September 28, 2025, at his home. He was 88.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 1, 2025, in the Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Tommy Giddens and Pastor Bill Mansfield officiating. Burial will follow in Newton City Cemetery. Fuqua Bankston Funeral Home of Ozark is in charge of arrangements. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Mr. Watson was born and raised in Newton, the son of Lonnie Frank Watson and Bennie Mae Golden Watson. Though life took him to central Florida for about thirty years, Newton was always home in his heart, and he eventually returned to the place where it all began.

He and his wife ran a shop called Creative Touch in Wiregrass Commons Mall, where they poured their time, energy, and love into the business. It wasn’t just a job—it was something they built together.

Mr. Watson had a deep love for the land. He found peace in gardening and took pride in caring for his cattle. These quiet moments outdoors were where he felt most connected to the world around him.

Faith was a big part of his life, and he was a devoted member of Newton First Assembly of God Church, where he found community and strength.

He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jennifer Nicole Watson; four sisters, Nancy Keen, Eileen Price, Mary Lou Holton, and Mary Judah, four brothers, Bobby Gene Watson, James Howard Watson, Samuel Junior Watson, and Thomas J. "Tom" Watson.  Though they’re no longer here, their memories live on in the stories and love that Mr. Watson carried with him.

Surviving relatives include his wife of sixty-nine years, Elizabeth Rachel Watson; two sons, Daniel Watson (Brenda) and Timothy Watson (Stephanie), all of Newton; brother, Billy Gene Watson (Mary), Newton; grandchildren, Kyle, Brandi, Terry, Tanya, Melanie, Mandy, Melinda, and Bubba; great-grandchildren, Maci, Arial, Marty, Madyson, Kadden, Aaliyah, D.J., Lauren, Rea, Brandon, Bradon, Aubrie, Devin, Kaitlynn, Anthony, Trevor, Damon, and Alaih; fifteen great-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Serving as active pallbearers will be D.J. Watson, Brandon Watson, Kyle Watson, Kadden Roberts, Tony Watson, and Terry Watson.