Obituary of Harold Hart Watson

Hart Watson, age 83, of Belleview, FL passed away on Friday, May 7, 2010. He was born in Ft. Meade, FL on May 17, 1926. Hart was descendent of a Pioneer family of Polk County Florida. He moved to Belleview from Bartow in 1982. Hart worked at Estech Phosphate as a miner for 35 years and was the co-owner/operator of Nell's Fashions in Fort Meade, FL and Bartow, FL. He was also a volunteer missionary. He served in the US Navy during WWII. Hart was a Life Member of the American Legion of Belleview for 60 years and was the Past Commander of the American Legion of Ft. Meade. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Belleview, FL and was a member of First Baptist Church of Ft. Meade, FL when he resided in that area. Hart loved fishing, reading, clowning around, gardening and ministry. He was most proud of his family, church and living a hard working life. During his life Hart was a member of Mission Service Corps, Christian Service Corps, Campers on Mission, Southwest Area Resort Ministries and Good News Ministry of the Marion Baptist Association. He also served as a Director for the Baptist Men's Ministry of the Marion County Baptist Association for ten years. Hart is survived by his wife of 56 years Nell Henderson Watson; daughter Jenny K. (Charles) Hancock of Bartow, FL; daughter Sharon W. (Lonnie) Kress of Belleview, FL; seven grandchildren; twenty-one great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many friends across the United States. He was preceded in death by his father Thomas L. Watson, mother Teddie S. Hart Watson and a sister Betty Lou Elwell. A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church of Belleview, FL on Tuesday, May 11, 2010 at 6pm. The family will receive friends at the church from 5pm until the time of the service. A graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Ft. Meade, FL (Polk County) on Wednesday, May 12, 2010 at 11am. The family will receive friends in Ft. Meade after the graveside service at Hancock Funeral Home immediately following the graveside service. Memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Belleview Mission Fund in memory of Hart Watson.