Leonard Franklin Watson, age 71, of Oakland, passed away peacefully at his home on November 19, 2020.

A native Memphian, Leonard was born March 16, 1949 to the late Eugene and Pauline Watson. He was a graduate of South Side High School (1967), Memphis State University (1971), and an honorary alumnus of Memphis School of Preaching (1999). He was employed by Holiday Inn, Promus Inc, Resort Quest, and EDR.

He was an active member of Knight Arnold/Forest Hill church of Christ for 41 years, serving as a deacon for 16 years, and an elder for 14 years. He was currently a member of Macon church of Christ in the Macon community.

Leonard is survived by his wife of 49.5 years, Deborah Wright Watson, his daughters, Elizabeth (Michael) Gilbert of Del Rio, TN, Rebecca (Kenny) Taylor of Pauls Valley, OK, and Rachel (Dontrea) Smiley of St. Louis, MO, his grandchildren, J.M. Gilbert III, Malachi Taylor, and Katie Taylor, his sister, Katherine (Jimmy) Trainor of Cordova, TN, and his brother, Robert Watson of Germantown, TN.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 unborn children and a prematurely born granddaughter, Carrie Elise Taylor.

A graveside service will be held November 30, 2020, at Forest Hill East at 2 PM. The pallbearers will be Robert Watson, Michael Gilbert, J.M. Gilbert, Kenny Taylor, Buster Rogers, and Dennis Woods. David Looney will be officiating. There will be a memorial service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Memphis School of Preaching or the West Cancer Clinic.