Earl Franklin Watson, "Coy" to many, passed from this life on Sept. 26, 2011. He was born on April 21, 1944 in Paragould, Ark. to Frank and Nellie (Smith) Watson, who both preceded him in death.



Mr. Watson had the ability to make a friend wherever he went, using his gentlemanly southern charm and larger-than-life personality.



Before his retirement, Mr. Watson owned a dairy distributorship in New Orleans, La., and, after moving to Missouri, he and his father opened Bubba & Coy's Southern Style Catfish Houses. Many will remember the good food and fun to be had at any of the 13 restaurants they opened.



Mr. Watson had an unshakable faith in the Lord and knew that, whether he lived or died, his time was in God's hands.



He is survived by his beloved bride of 12 years, Cheryl (Hoppes) Watson; dearest daughters Shaun Wood of St. Charles, Mo. and Shea Watson of St. Peters, Mo.; two stepchildren, Denise Renfro of Charlotte, N.C. and Matt (Sarah) Renfro of Florissant, Mo.; one brother, Gary Watson of Troy, Ill.; five grandchildren, Paige, Zachary, Tyler, Daniel and Gabriel; and many, many loving relatives and good friends.



A memorial visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Sunset Hill Funeral Home, 50 Fountain Drive, Glen Carbon, Ill., 62034. A religious service celebrating his entrance to heaven will follow beginning at 11 a.m. officiated by the Rev. Fred Kraemer, pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Collinsville.



Memorials can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Collinsville Ill.