Joseph Newton Watson, III

Joseph Newton Watson, III, 90, of Kernersville, passed away Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at Kernersville Medical Center.

Joe was born in Atlanta Georgia on September 5, 1931. He was raised up in Buckhead and was proud to be a “Buckhead Boy”, and he loved telling stories of his days growing up in Buckhead with his wonderful friends.

In 1955 he graduated from Mercer University where he met the love of his life Lydia. They were soon married and enjoyed young married life together as he pastored a small church in South Georgia.  

They later moved back to the Atlanta area and settled in Chamblee. Their daughter Melanie was born in 1964. The three of them had a wonderful life with many friends and family memories.  

In the mid-1980’s, Joe wrote his own cookbook which was called Cooking Guide for Men. It was aimed to assist older men who had lost their wives and had no idea how to cook. The book even got him a spot-on Atlanta public TV.  He also held numerous classes at Briarlake Baptist Church where men of all ages would attend. They loved it and it was a hands-on class with lots of good food that was prepared. At the end of the classes, he would hold a “graduation” and wives and other family were invited and the men of the class would prepare a wonderful meal for all to enjoy.

In 1996 Joe and Lydia moved up to High Point NC to be closer to their daughter Melanie and grandson Matt. They lived in Jamestown for many years. Their house was always filled with wonderful meals, family get-to-gathers and fond memories.

Joe was also a proud part of the Jamestown Library. He loved being a part of the annual fish fry and made the coleslaw homemade. He looked forward to this event each year.

In their later years as Lydia became blind and disabled and Joe devoted 100% of his time taking care of his “girl”.  He went over and beyond caring for her until he couldn’t care for her anymore and she was placed in a nursing home where she passed in December 2020. 

Joe struggled with her death and never could come to grips with it. He missed her so much.  

In his last months, he was a resident of Shuler Health Care in Kernersville. They took wonderful care of him there and he enjoyed his friends there. 

Joe was an avid golfer, loved watching football, Atlanta Falcons, the Panthers and Georgia Tech. He loved cooking meals for his family and telling silly jokes.   

Joe also loved the Varisty in Atlanta and loved eating out at local restaurants.

He is survived by his daughter, Melanie Cooke and husband Rob of Trinity; grandchildren, Matthew Millman, Brandon Cooke, and Lauren Cooke; great-grandchildren, Avery Cooke, Lucas Cooke, and Hope Cooke.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lydia Hawkins Watson.

No services are planned.

Wright Funerals-Cremations is in charge of arrangements.