Franklin- John Belin Watson, Jr., 72, passed away Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at Sentara Obici Hospital. A son of the late John B. and Ella Wade Watson, he was also predeceased by a sister, Joan W. Belote and two brothers, George Wade Watson, Sr. and Franklin Gill Watson.

He was a native and life-long resident of Franklin and a graduate of Fishburne Military Academy. He was a member of Franklin Baptist Church and retired from Union Camp in the Process Engineering Technical Paper Group. He was a honorary member and former Chief Engineer of the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department. He was one of the first shock trauma technicians in the city of Franklin and was an adjunct instructor for the Commonwealth of Virginia Fire Programs, having taught from Roanoke to the Eastern Shore. Belin was an astute outdoorsman, awarded the Eagle Scout at 13 , a member of the Virginia Trappers Association, The National Trappers Association and Sedley Hunt Club.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons, John Belin "Jack" Watson, III (Sheri) of Courtland, Michael Beale Watson (Christine) of Roanoke Rapids, NC and Stephen Wade Watson (Genny) of Courtland, seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild, his former wife, Jane Beale Watson of Roanoke Rapids, NC, a sister-in-law, Patsy Watson of Franklin, nieces, nephews and cousins and his good friend and fellow trapper, Bud Jenkins of Capron.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 6 to 8PM at Wright Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM Friday, July 3, 2015 at Wright Funeral Home with the Rev. Hoyle Green officiating. Burial with Fireman Honors will follow at Poplar Spring Cemetery. Following the service, friends and family are invited to Steve and Genny Watson's home at 18470 Lakeside Dr., Courtland, VA, 23837 and suggests memorial donations be made to Franklin Fire and Rescue. www.wrightfuneralhome.org