Ernest Lee Watson, 86, of Ashland, passed away Monday evening, Dec. 15, 2008, in Community Hospice Care Center. He was born May 12, 1922, in Jackson, Ky., son of the late Thomas Daniel Watson and Harriet Staley Watson. He was preceded in death by one brother, Thomas D. Watson and three sisters, Evelyn Goodwin, Vivian Harrington and Dorthy Fout. He leaves behind a loving wife of 54 years, Janice Darlene Watson; and two sons, Ernest Lee Watson Jr. (Evelina) and Harold Franklin Watson; two grandchildren, Vashti Janice Anne Watson and Jared Franklin Watson; one great-grandchild, Abigail Rachell Watson; many special nephews and nieces; a special friend, Bonnie Bundy and his special caregivers, Pam Cagle and Kelli Thornsbury. He was a member of Wildwood Baptist Church. He retired as Master Sgt. E-7 U.S. Army after 22 years of service. He served with K-CO-328th Infantry, 26th Division during the Bulge in Europe and awarded the Purple Heart Dec. 23, 1944. He was a two-time recipient of the Bronze Star, three Combat Infantry Badges for service in combat during WWII, 8th Airborne Ranger Co. in Korea and as Ranger Advisor in Vietnam. He retired from Ashland Post Office as a letter carrier after 24 years of service. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at Cribbs Hill Cemetery in Grayson by the Rev. Jim Nichols. There will be no visitation. Arrangements are under the direction of Sparks Funeral Home in Grayson. Memorial contributions can be made to Wildwood Baptist Church Building Fund, South Ashland United Methodist Church Puppet Ministry or Community Hospice, 1538 Central Ave., Ashland, KY 41101. Online condolences may be sent to www.sparksfh.com Courtesy of the Daily Independent of Ashland,KY Connie