A stalwart member of the local education community for over four decades passed away Wednesday.
Russell Watson, 79, was an agriculture instructor for over a generation of Warren County High School students. The Woodbury native and Smithville resident served in the school system for 44 years before retiring in 2021, estimating at his retirement ceremony he had taught approximately 4,500 students.
“And the thing about it is my classes aren’t required classes to graduate,” Watson told the Southern Standard at the time. “So I feel like the kids wouldn’t have been in there if they didn’t want to be in there, and that made all the difference in the world to me.”
Watson noted a career highlight was his involvement with the Future Farmers of America program. While he served as advisor, the Warren County FFA chapter received over 40 National Gold Emblems. Watson also worked with over 280 state FFA degrees recipients, 100 American degrees recipients and seven national star finalists.
“When a freshman comes in, very timid, and then he breaks through that shell and begins to grow and participate, it’s wonderful,” Watson said upon being greeted by many former FFA presidents who had served under his tutelage at his retirement ceremony. “He may not be able to see the potential that he has, so it’s my duty to help mold that student and point him in the direction he needs to go. That’s something that not many people get to do.
“Seeing these kids taking an active part and developing leadership skills they will carry on into their lives is the best part,” Watson said. “And seeing them accomplish something they didn’t think they could. That’s been very rewarding for me.”
One of those former FFA presidents, Keith Bouldin, CEO and president of Bouldin and Lawson, LLC, took Watson’s courses from 1975-77, and said the longtime educator and advisor had an immeasurable impact on not only his life, but the lives of all his students.
“He did a lot to help a lot of young men,” Bouldin said Wednesday. “He was just one of the best teachers I ever had. He was a mentor to myself and a lot of other students. He worked really, really hard to help everybody become better men, and I feel like I’ve been successful because of him, no doubt.
“He taught us how to do things the right way, and encouraged leadership, taking charge and being what young men ought to be. I respected him immensely.”
Watson was married for 50 years to Jill Evelyn Watson, who preceded him in death last March. He is survived by a daughter, three sons, eight grandchildren and two sisters.
Complete obituary information for Watson appears on page 2A.
