Thomas Coburn Watson, Jr., 85, of Florence, SC, passed away on Friday, February 10, 2017. He was a son of the late Myra Steadman Watson and Thomas Coburn Watson, Sr. Survivors include his wife, Freda Hill Wolfe Watson; sons, Thomas C. (Michael Ann) Watson, III of Ft. Mill, SC, and Richard B. (Jamie) Watson of Franklin, NC; daughter, Suzanne H. Watson of Franklin, NC; grandsons, Jonathan Mark (Sarah) Watson, Benjamin Thomas Watson; granddaughter, Mary Suzanne Watson, all of Franklin, NC; grandson, Zachary Joseph Watson of Fr. Mill, SC; Great-grandchildren, Riley and J.J.; step-daughter, Selena (Elod) Lakatos of Bedford, NY; step-son Rudy (Donna) Wolfe of East Rutherford, NJ; a number of step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren; a brother Dr. Wallace S. (Shannon Wagner) Watson of Ithaca, NY; and a sister, Mary Duffie of Oriental, NC. A graduate of McClenaghan High Scholl and Wofford College, he was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force Security Service, serving during the Korean conflict and was a member of the occupation forces in Germany. He retired from the Social Security Administration in 1983 as manager in Franklin, NC and he was later employed in a variety of occupations, primarily in the hospital and health care fields. In Franklin, he and his family especially enjoyed trout fishing, and hiking the mountain trails and playing golf. He was an active member of the Nantahala Hiking Club, which maintained a portion of the Appalachian Trail. He cherished his friendship and hikes with the colorful Episcopal minister, Dr. Rufus Morgan, widely regarded as the "Father of the Appalachian Trail". In Florence, he enjoyed serving in a number of volunteer positions, including his church and Golden K. Kiwanis Club. He especially enjoyed Bible study and shared this with groups in his church, nursing homes, prison ministry and group residential homes. He was a life member of VFW Post 3181 and American Legion Post No. 1, serving in a number of positions with those organizations. He was one of the original members of the Veterans' Honor Guard of the Pee Dee. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 25, 2017, at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Florence. The family will receive friends at the church from 1 until 2, just prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Highland Park UMC, 1300 2nd Loop Road, Florence, SC 29505, or to a charity of one's choice.