Monday, October 4, 1999
Approximately 500 people filled the sanctuary of Prince Avenue Baptist Church Sept. 28 to pay final respects to assistant football coach Pat Watson, 56, who died Sept. 25 of a heart attack. Some thoughts from those who knew him:

Cal Watson, the coach’s 22-year-old son: “I couldn’t have scripted a better departure. . . . My father went out a winner, undefeated on the field and in the game of life.”

Loran Smith, executive secretary of the Georgia Bulldog Club: “Watson understood hard work, fairness and toughness. He was interested in his players but didn’t want them to like him because he was good to them. . . . He wanted them to succeed and to do well when the game or season was over.
“The thing I liked about Pat Watson was his appreciation for his family. On the recent open-date weekend, he called his wife, Freddie, and told her to pack a few things for a couple of days. They went to the mountains. There were a lot of trips like that over the years.
“They enjoyed life together, which is a testimony to their commitment to each other. All Pat Watson wanted to do was coach, enjoy his family and travel around the country.”

Jim Donnan, head football coach: “This is just another detour. It’s a tragic one, but the reality is we have to separate our grief and our sorrow and move on.”
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