Samuel Bruce Watson JR.'s Obituary
Samuel Bruce Watson Jr., born August 6, 1952, in Ft. Polk, LA., to his parents, Samuel Bruce Watson Sr. and Iva Lois Watson, passed away July 14, 2025, in Deridder, Louisiana. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend whose spirit and humor touched the lives of many. Sam graduated from Deridder High School in Deridder, Louisiana. After graduation, he began a brief stint as a disco dancer on Saturday mornings on Channel 7 (KPLC). Following this, Sam began another career as a jewelry store manager at Zales in Beaumont, Texas. It was after this that he began his long career in the oilfield. Sam began his oilfield career in 1976 and continued until his retirement in 2011. He started as an Operator and finished as one of the most accomplished Directional Drillers in his field. To put in Oilfield terms: Sam was a Hand. He traveled all over the continental United States as a Directional Driller. His favorite spots to drill were anywhere with mountains. He loved the Rockies. He is survived by his loving wife, Debbie Sue Watson; his children, Jason (Jaybird) Watson and Myranda (Ranna) Watson; his step-children, Jessica Garrett and husband William Garrett. Jeremiah Anderson and wife Candis Anderson; his sisters, Linda Watson and family, Diane Watson and family; brother Marvin “Stick” Watson, wife Ginny and family; Sister-in-Law Nancy Watson and her family; grandchildren, Hailey Rivera, Emma Watson, CJ Watson Jr., Austin Garret, Jayden Garret, Kayson Anderson, Kaydon Anderson, and Alice Watson; and a host of extended family and many, many great friends. He is preceded in death by his mom and dad, Iva Lois and Sam Sr. Watson, and his brother, Ivy “Joe” Watson. Sam had a great sense of humor (sometimes it was unintentional, but it was still funny!) and loved watching the Dallas Cowboys (lose; that was his favorite). He was an expert Christmas decorator and professional Gas Grill installer. Sam loved a good car show! More than any of this, he had a deep love of good rock and roll (and some disco music!!) and he passed that love to everyone he met. Those we love never go away. Their memories walk beside us and always be close by: still loved, still missed and always dear to our hearts.
What’s your fondest memory of Samuel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Samuel?
Share a story where Samuel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Samuel you’ll never forget.
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