Willie Ruth (McLendon) Watson

Clinton

Mrs. Willie Ruth McLendon Watson, 106, of 120 Southwood Drive, passed away Monday, January 26, 2026, at Mary-Gran Nursing Center.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, February 14, at 1:00 PM at the Clinton Cemetery with Dr. Ray Ammons officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the cemetery.

Born in 1919 in Lee County, SC., Willie Ruth was the daughter of the late Willie and Ruth Smith McLendon and the widow of R.V. Watson. She loved life and spending it alongside her husband as a School Secretary. She most enjoyed being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Willie Ruth was a member of First Baptist Church where she spent over 70 years, her church family was dear to her.

Willie Ruth is survived by her two sons: Rev. Randall Watson of Rockingham; and Rick Watson, and wife, Debbie of Ooltewah, Tennessee; grandchildren: Rand Watson (Samantha,) Cassi Webb, Jonathan Watson, Mac Watson, Rita Vollberg (Adam,) Hannah Watson; great-grandchildren: Will Watson, Jeremiah Watson, Brady Watson, Noah Watson, Briley Webb, Rae Watson, Harper Watson; and a host of extended family and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, R.V., Willie Ruth was preceded in death by two brothers: James A. McLendon and Smith McLendon; sister, Geraldine McLendon; Randall’s wife, her daughter-in-law, Debbie Watson and Rick’s first wife, her daughter-in-law, Suzanne Watson.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.royalhallfuneralhome.com

Royal-Hall is honored to serve the Watson family.

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