Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I hope that you and my dad both are resting in peace and keeping each other company up there.

Tammy

Tammy Watson Black
Cousin

April 28, 2016

I was Chief investigator Ga Dept of corrections internal affairs when Officer Watsons killer was executed. I witnessed the execution. Justice was served

Retired Chief of Police Johnny Mccurry
WPPD

February 8, 2016

I was the Chief Investigator Georgia Department of Corrections Internal Affairs Division when Officer Watsons KILLER was Executed. Closure was a blessing.

Retired Chief of Police Johnny Mccurry
WPPD

February 6, 2016

Although we were first cousins, we were more like brothers. It's been over 40 years since your passing, I still mist you and all the good times we had hunting on the farm.

Bubba

Bubba
Cousin

October 17, 2015

I was only three when you put your uniform on and left for work that day. I only have one real vivid memory of you. When you bought mom "Charlie" the pistol to protect herself and I ran into the room and thought it was a toy. I remember you telling me it wasn't and I should never touch it. That was just a few weeks before you passed. I guess maybe you knew somehow you wouldn't be there to protect her much longer. I really miss you daddy and wish I had more memories of you.

Youngest son

December 28, 2014

Honoring your service, memory, and ultimate sacrifice.

Ranger Joe's
Columbus, Georgia

November 13, 2014

REST IN PEACE UNCLE BILLY, YOU ARE LOVED AND MISSED DEARLY. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

LOVE
YOUR NIECE

December 4, 2012

REST IN PEACE UNCLE BILLY. U R MISSED & LOVED SO MUCH.

LESLIE SCHAAF
NIECE

December 4, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Watson. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 24, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for solace for all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I am glad your family finally after 26 long years saw that justice for your murder was carried out.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

December 28, 2011

To Granddaughter-that's one of the most touching things I have ever read. I'm sure your Grandaddy looks down on you and smiles ear to ear. God Bless You and R.I.P. Officer Watson

Passerby From Columbus

August 2, 2011

I was just thinking out you today...our hunting trips, time together, and your faith. I miss you a lot...

Bill Land
Stepson

July 15, 2009

billy i rember you from the time when you played with my boy at the mall he is 34 now an still rembers he still rembers his frend that he use to show his toy gun to thanks for being mine an his frend

truman miller
plain joe

November 4, 2008

To the grandfather I never got to meet:
I will think of you everyday that I see my daddy's face and know that you are there somewhere. Your resting place is no longer here, someone moved it and I can't even visit you there, but I know that you are a part of me and no one can EVER take that away. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten. I will pass on your legacy to my children, grand children, and great grandchildren. I love you.
Love,
Your First Born Grandchild

Grand daughter

January 7, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 27, 2007

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

October 8, 2007

Billy, I was already gone from Columbus PD and working in Florida when you died...I returned to say good Bye.
I remember your smile and sense of humor above all else.
He who took your life, had his taken, but that is no fair trade...none at all....you were and are worth thousands of them.
From an old friend.....You ARE NOT forgotten my friend.

Joe Pizzimenti

Joe Pizzimenti
Retired Daytona Beach Fla PD

September 22, 2006

Officer Watson,
On today, the 29th anniversary of your murder, I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Columbus. It took another 26 years, but your murderer finally got the justice that he deserved.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

December 28, 2005

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

July 6, 2005

On the anniversary of your death, I salute you for your service and honor your for your sacrifice.

A hero never dies...

Rest in peace, hero.

December 28, 2004

I hope now you can rest in peace. Your killer(who also killed someone else in Macon) was finally executed. God Bless you Officer Billy Ray Watson.

Anonymous

March 16, 2004