George Ronald Watson

life story

George / Ronnie

Beloved partner, loyal friend, valued mentor, jazz aficionado, creative storyteller, nature lover, man of faith

George Watson

George Ronald Watson, 75, of Eagan, Minnesota, passed from this earth into the arms of his Lord, November 28, 2021.

George was born in the Bronx, and brought pride for his New York City roots to all of his new homes over his lifetime, including those in Atlanta, New England, Cleveland, and St.Paul.

From birth, his family, which included numerous accomplished professional jazz musicians in Harlem and Pittsburgh, immersed him in rich musical traditions. Throughout his life, he joyfully shared his love and passion for music, as well as his musical talents, with many, many others.

George’s friends and family reveled in his storytelling magic. His booming laugh, gently teasing humor and quick wit, capacious heart, special ability to connect with the young and the elderly, and his abiding Christian faith are profoundly missed.

He graduated from HBCU Morehouse College with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in biology and chemistry, and earned an Executive Master of Business Administration at Case Western Reserve University, Weatherhead School of Business . He followed a 25-year career at 3M with several creative, mission-driven entrepreneurial ventures, often with non-profit organizations. He was particularly skilled at coaching and teaching successful negotiation and selling skills. Most recently, he began authoring a series of youth books based on stories from his dear Uncle Hildred.

He mentored thousands over his entire adult life, from 3M sales professionals to first-time Superior Trail hikers. His most frequent focus involved helping vulnerable Twin Cities youth. Everyone learned from his vision and passion.

George is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Mattie Lee Humphries; his aunt, Nellie Dorsey; and his uncle, Hildred Humphries, and many more aunts and uncles. Among those left to mourn and miss him are his wife, Carol; her children Scott (Janice) Ostrem and Shelley (Todd) Williams; Carol and George’s grandchildren, Jason, Evan and Ryan; his first cousins Barbara Hilton, Donald Humphries Sr., James “Pete” Humphries Sr., Mattie Humphries, Roger Humphries Sr., Omelia Ponder, Joann Saunders, Amy Stephenson, Kimberly Washington, and Geraldine White; cousins Betty Jane McCloud and Frankie Diaz with whom George shared a family childhood home in Nyack; his niece, Lisa Hilton; his great-nephew, Zac Fletcher; numerous other cousins, and a host of friends and loved ones.

Celebrations of his life are anticipated for the first half of 2022, in both Minnesota and the Northeast. Details for the Minnesota services are now included below.

memorial service

Celebrations of Life planned for both MN & Northeast. Updates will be published here.

May 7, 2022

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church 3920 Victoria St N, Shoreview, MN 55126, USA

Visitation 1PM, Service 2PM, Coffee 3PM

Fellowship at Axel’s 4:30PM

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services