HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — The Houston County community is mourning the life of renowned leader Sonny Watson after he passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 86.
Watson was a long-time political figure and businessman in the area, and most recently served as the Board Chair Houston Healthcare. He was also a county clerk and state representative among other things.
He was born on April 20, 1937 in Wellston, Georgia. He graduated from Georgia Military College in Milledgeville and attended Mercer University in Macon.
Watson's father was the first mayor of Warner Robins, and the family located in Houston County before Watson Boulevard, which is named after his father, was a paved road.
Sonny Watson became one of the most recognized figures in Warner Robins, with plenty of reminders of his impact.
Areas named after him include the pavilion at Houston Healthcare and Wellness Complex at Central GA Tech.
Several businesses and institutions in Warner Robins expressed their condolences. Central Georgia Technical College issued a statement that said they "join many in the middle Georgia area in mourning the loss of one of Houston County’s most recognizable and renowned community champions, Roy H. “Sonny” Watson."
Houston Healthcare also issued a statement, saying Sonny "played a key role in guiding Houston Healthcare through expansions and improvements. His legacy is deeply ingrained in the organization."
They said Watson served on the Houston County Hospital Authority from 2005-2008 and was also Chairman of Houston Healthcare System from 2008-2022. He was named Chairman Emeritus in 2022.
He served 22 years in the Georgia Legislature. Beyond those positions he had a notable business career, owning Embeco Inc. and serving as Chairman and CEO, as well as leading Watson Insurance Agency.
Watson also served on the Board of Directors for the Museum of Aviation.
His commitment to public service was evident through all the positions he held over the years, and his impact on the community was large.