Jackson, Miss. – Reformed Theological Seminary joins with many in the broader church in giving thanks to God for the life and ministry of Dr. Richard G. Watson, who entered the presence of his Savior on March 30, 2025, at the age of 95.
Dr. Watson served as Academic Dean and Professor of Pastoral Theology at RTS Jackson, where his influence on students, faculty, and the seminary community was profound. He is remembered not only for his theological insight and academic leadership but also for his warm pastoral care and steady faithfulness.
Born in 1929, Dr. Watson was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 67 years, Jeanette L. Watson, who passed away in 2022. Together, they were blessed with three daughters—Suzanne, Patricia, and Alexis—as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dr. Watson earned degrees from Hampden-Sydney College, Columbia Theological Seminary, the University of South Florida, and the University of Southern Mississippi. He served in pastoral ministry for two decades in Florida, including four years in Crestview and 16 years in Tampa, before moving to Mississippi, where he would spend twenty years as Academic Dean at RTS Jackson. During this time, he also pastored at West Union Presbyterian Church for 15 years, exemplifying his lifelong commitment to both theological education and the local church.
After his time at RTS, Dr. Watson returned to Florida, where he continued to serve Christ’s church through pastoral roles at Kings Bay Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church of Panama City.
Dr. Watson was also known internationally for his founding of the International Biblical Seminary of Ukraine, a seminary located in Kyiv that trained students from throughout Eastern Europe for twenty-five years. His heart for global theological education extended the impact of his ministry far beyond the U.S.
“Dr. Watson served the RTS community with conviction, humility, and steadfast faith,” said Dr. Ligon Duncan, Chancellor and CEO of Reformed Theological Seminary. “He loved the church, loved our students, and was a trusted voice of wisdom throughout his time at RTS Jackson. He was a formidable leader and pastor, with a great zeal for missions. After his retirement from RTS, he continued to serve the global church by teaching in an evangelical seminary in Ukraine for many years. We give thanks for his long life of ministry and rejoice that he now rests in the presence of the Savior he served so well.”
Memorial Services
Friends and colleagues are invited to honor Dr. Richard G. Watson’s life and ministry at the following services:
- Visitation will take place at the Watson family home on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 2–4 p.m. at 7215 Resota Lane, Panama City, Florida.
- A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Wilson Funeral Home Chapel, with a viewing beginning at 9 a.m. at Wilson Funeral Home, Panama City, Florida.
- Interment will follow the service at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Panama City.
May we all give thanks for Dr. Richard G. Watson’s faithful life and ministry and honor his legacy as we seek to serve the Lord with the same devotion and integrity.