Eric Watson suddenly passed away in his home on Monday March 12, 2018. He was born on November 15, 1962 at Harlem Hospital to Elijah H. Watson and Ethel M. Watson. Eric was raised in Manhattan (Harlem), New York City. He went to Rice High School in NYC and graduated from Beacon High School in Beacon, NY. He attended and graduated from South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. He returned to New York and was employed at Dutchess County Boces BETA, the Craig House, Saint Francis Hospital Psychiatric, and Unlimited Care Inc. where he lived and resided in Poughkeepsie NY.

Eric was a charismatic people person who was an avid student of the Holy Quran, the Bible, and Black History.  He was very knowledgeable and spent great amount of his time reading and studying. His children called him a walking dictionary; he could give you information on almost anything you asked him. Eric was an all-around athlete who played and coached basketball and football. Eric enjoyed weightlifting, bodybuilding, fitness, health, and nutrition. He especially enjoyed traveling and spending time with his children, enormous family, many friends, and associates that he met throughout his lifetime.

Words cannot adequately capture the true significance, magnitude, and impact of this great and well-loved man.  He was a mentor and life coach to many of his students, family, and friends. Eric was known for having a smile on his face and at the end of any conversation leaving you with an inspiring quote, affirmation, or just a piece of friendly advice, to help you along your journey of personal development. One of his favorite quotes was "It's better to be too prepared and not have an opportunity, than to have an opportunity and not be prepared." He was a very warm gentle soul, who had compassion for those in need of guidance and counseling. Eric was a phenomenal man, full of wisdom, who will certainly be missed by his loved ones and many friends.

Eric is survived by his father Elijah H. Watson(Marlene) of Charleston, South Carolina; his loving mother Ethel M. Chisolm of Charleston,SC; Linda Green loving mother of his children Kanye Khalid Green and Dazell Lorraine Green of Poughkeepsie New York; a daughter Sarafina (Sara) Jones of North Carolina; Brothers  Steven Watson (Terri) of Poughkeepsie, NY; Omar Williams, Hussain Williams of Charleston SC, Sister Salimah Williams of Charleston SC., Nieces Nakimah Watson, Dwajuana Stokes, Imani Watson, Dijonna Watson, Safiyah Watson all of Poughkeepsie,NY; Prayer Williams of Charleston SC, Nephews Rashan Watson, Kashief Watson, of Poughkeepsie,NY; Tariq Watson, Terry Williams, Taurae Williams, of Charleston SC; along with many Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins.

Eric was predeceased by his older brother Elijah Harold Watson and his step father Henry Clay Chisolm. Visitation is Friday, March 23, 2018 10-11AM at Bethel Church of God in Christ, 91 Hooker Ave Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. A funeral service will begin at 11AM with burial to follow in Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted with the Joseph J. Darrow Sr. Funeral Home Inc. 39 So Hamilton St Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 845-452-1840. To send an online condolence please visit www.darrowfuneralhome.org