In Loving Memory of Jeffery Michael Watson

Jeffery Michael Watson, age 50, passed away on August 18, 2026, in Waco, Texas. Jeff was born in College Station, Texas, to Wayne and Betty Watson.

Jeff was a man who lived with passion. If you knew him, you knew that sports were more than just something he enjoyed—they were a part of who he was. He loved to play football and baseball, throwing a no hitter his sophomore year of high school. Out of all his accomplishments, one he was proud of was that he still held the record at South Knoll Elementary School for the longest shot put.

Jeff became especially well known during his years at A&M Consolidated, where he played in the 1991 state championship game against Carthage. His talent on the football field earned him recruiting attention from schools across the country. Jeff chose to remain in Texas and began his college career at Baylor University, where he continued to compete year after year for his starting position as quarterback. Those who watched him play often remembered not only his talent, but the heart he brought to the game.

That same passion followed Jeff long after his playing days were over. Watching a football game with Jeff was an experience all its own. Pillows would fly, voices would rise, hands would clap, and before long, you felt like you were sitting in the stadium right alongside him. Jeff didn’t simply watch a game—he lived it.

During the COVID lockdown, that love of sports became something he shared with the neighborhood kids. Jeff could often be found outside playing football, dodgeball, and kickball with them. He taught them how to punt the ball, encouraged them to learn and improve, and even built bicycle ramps with them. For Jeff, it wasn’t just about playing the game—it was about being outside, having fun, teaching what he knew, and making memories with the kids around him. He had a way of making everyone feel like part of the team.

His knowledge of sports was extraordinary. Jeff could recall players, statistics, teams, positions, and history with a remarkable memory. One day at the neighborhood pool, his son Aidan began quizzing him about Heisman Trophy winners. Jeff could name the player, the year they won, their position, their school, and even the professional team they later played for. To those who knew him, Jeff was truly a walking sports encyclopedia.

Jeff’s faith was also a deeply important part of his life. He loved Jesus with all his heart. His faith brought him comfort, strength, and hope, and it was something he carried with him throughout his life. Those who knew Jeff knew that his love for Jesus was genuine and deeply personal. His family takes comfort in knowing that the faith he held so dearly is now fulfilled, and that he is with his Savior.

But as much as Jeff loved sports, his greatest accomplishment had nothing to do with a scoreboard, a record, or a championship.

His greatest accomplishment in life was being Aidan’s dad.

Jeff loved his son deeply, and being Aidan’s father was the role he was most proud to hold. The bond they shared was one of the most meaningful parts of Jeff’s life. The memories they made together—especially the ordinary moments filled with laughter, competition, conversation, and a shared love of sports—will remain treasured forever.

Jeff will be lovingly remembered by his son, Aidan Watson; his parents, Wayne and Betty Watson; his brother, Jason Watson; his sister, Dawn Snider and brother in law Neil Snider; his nephews, Gage and Riley; his nieces, Peyton Watson, Jamie Smith, Bridgette Nevarez, and Sarah Snider; and his great-niece and great-nephew, Madison and Eric Smith.

Jeff leaves behind a lifetime of memories filled with family, friendship, competition, laughter, faith, and love. He will be remembered for his determination, his incredible knowledge of sports, his competitive spirit, his love for Jesus, and the heart he brought to everything he cared about.

Most of all, Jeff will be remembered as a father who loved his son with all his heart.

His family will carry his memory forward—in every football game, every baseball story, every spirited debate, every prayer, and in all the moments when they find themselves smiling and thinking, “Jeff would have loved this.”