Fred was born May 5, 1951, in Salem, the son of William F. and Seldia Viola Clingerman Watson. He grew up in Shillings Mill and attended Western Reserve High School.

Fred worked in construction with his father, Crane Company, making bathtubs, AT&T laying cable, and Brentwood Originals, where he met his wife.

He traveled around, living in California, Florida, Berlin Center and Alliance, but Youngstown was his favorite place.

Fred was a talented musician, blessed with a beautiful singing voice. He played bass with 440 Express and Southern Impact bands. He was a big fan of Jimi Hendrix and bought a Fender strat to learn how to play a six string.

He was a nature lover and loved animals, especially his yorkie, Muffin.

Fred enjoyed going fishing, watching wrestling, and going to garage sales. He could also make a mean pot of chili and bake four loaves of bread to go with it. He also liked watching Westerns on TV and just sitting on the porch, waiting to see a deer.

He was very easygoing and fun loving and loved to joke around. Fred would go out of his way to help someone, and if you were his friend, he really treasured your friendship.

He truly loved his family and some of his best days were spending time with his sons and grandchildren.

He married the love of his life, the former Barbara Balaban, on May 6, 2006. From that day on, he always said this was the happiest he had ever been in his life.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Nicole; sister, Joyce Broadsword; brother, Samuel Watson; and niece, Rhonda Braham.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Barbara; four sons, William F. Watson Jr. of Deerfield, Eric and Gary Watson of Alliance, and Derek Watson of Youngstown; seven grandchildren, Rachael Rendessy, Eric Watson Jr., Jocelyn Watson, Gary Watson Jr., Donnavin Watson, Wyatt Watson and Ariana Watson; two great-grandchildren, Marlee and Chloe McQuerry; sisters, Betty Watson of Alliance and Mary Braham of Akron; and best friend, Larry Scott of Alliance.

Per Fred’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.

Arrangements by Cremation and Funeral Service by Gary S. Silvat, Inc. Share memories or send condolences by visiting: www.cremateohio.com.

(special notice)

William F. Watson Sr. 1951-2021

YOUNGSTOWN — William Fred Watson Sr., 70, of the city’s West Side, passed away in his sleep Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021.

He was born May 5, 1951, in Salem, the son of William F. and Seldia Viola Clingerman Watson. Fred grew up in Shillings Mill and attended Western Reserve High School.

Fred worked in construction with his father, at Crane Company making bathtubs, at AT&T laying cable and Brentwood Originals, where he met his wife.

He traveled around, living in California, Florida, Berlin Center and Alliance, but Youngstown was his favorite place.

Fred was a talented musician, blessed with a beautiful singing voice. He played bass with the bands 440 Express and Southern Impact.

He was a big fan of Jimi Hendrix and bought a Fender Strat to learn how to play a six string. He was a nature lover and loved animals, especially his Yorkie, Muffin.

Fred enjoyed going fishing, watching wrestling and going to garage sales. He could make a mean pot of chili and bake four loaves of bread to go with it. He also liked watching Westerns on TV and just sitting on the porch waiting to see a deer.

He was very easygoing, fun-loving and loved to joke around. Fred would go out of his way to help someone. If you were his friend, he really treasured your friendship.

He truly loved his family and some of his best days were spending time with his sons and grandchildren.

He married the love of his life, the former Barbara Bullpen, on May 6, 2006. From that day on, he always said this was the happiest he had ever been in his life.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Nicole; sister, Joyce Broadsword; brother, Samuel Watson; and niece, Rhonda Prehuman.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Barbara; four sons, William F. Watson Jr. of Deerfly, Eric and Gary Watson of Alliance, and Derek Watson of Youngstown; seven grandchildren, Rachel Rends, Eric Watson Jr., Iceland Watson, Gary Watson Jr., Donovan Watson, Wyatt Watson and Arian Watson; two great-grandchildren, Marl and Chloe Mockery; and best friend, Larry Scott of Alliance.

Per Fred’s wishes, there will be no calling hours.

Arrangements by Cremation & Funeral Service by Gary S Silvat Inc. Share memories or send condolences by visiting: www.cremateohio.com.

(special notice)