HOUSTON – The community gave a final farewell Tuesday to a 20-year veteran of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. The funeral for Sgt. Bruce Watson was held at Grace Community Church in Southeast Houston.
Watson was on his way home after assisting a funeral procession when his motorcycle crashed into an SUV in the Pearland area. Investigators said it appears the crash was a tragic accident.
Watson, who was also a U.S. Army veteran, meant different things to different people. Those who knew him often described him as a shining light in the world, who worked to make it a better place for everyone. Watson dedicated his life to serving others, remembered by friends and family as someone who was deeply compassionate and “a great man of faith.”
In his 20 years with the sheriff’s office, Watson wore many different hats. One of the things about Watson that struck Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez the most was the immense pride Watson had for helping set the foundation for success for so many of his colleagues.
“Sgt. Watson consistently invested in the next generation of deputies, mentoring and guiding them to become our agency’s future leaders,” Gonzalez said.
A letter written by Watson’s three children was shared by a colleague during the service. It started with the words, “Daddy, I love you.”
The funeral service was followed by a ceremony of honors outside of the church, including a U.S. and Texas flag folding and presentation to family, a 21-gun salute and the ceremonial playing of Taps.
Watson received burial honors from the U.S. Army at Houston National Cemetery.