Hometown

Dothan, Alabama

Birthday

July 3, 1949

Family
 

He is married to Margaret Lee Watson (anniversary June 16), and has two children, Benjamin (Ben) Lee Watson and Elizabeth Watson Riddle. He is also a proud grandfather to Alex and Andrew Watson and Camilla Joy Riddle.

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in finance and real estate from the University of Alabama, master of divinity degree from the Candler School of Theology and a doctor of ministry degree from Vanderbilt University

Ministry

Ordained Deacon in 1972 and Elder in 1976 in the Alabama-West Florida
Decatur First UMC, Decatur, GA 1973-1974, Minister of Evangelism
Aldersgate UMC, Molino, FL 1975-1977
Christ UMC, Milton, FL 1977-1979
Covenant UMC, Dothan, AL, Founding Pastor, 1979-1990
Dauphin Way UMC, Mobile, AL, 1990-2000
Elected Bishop, July 2000
            South Georgia Conference, 2000-2008
            North Georgia Conference, 2008

Member of:

World Methodist Council
World Methodist Conference Delegate: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1996; Singapore, 1991; Brighton, England, 2001; Seoul, Korea, 2006
Formerly Represented Council of Bishops on General Commission on United Methodist Men
Formerly Represented Council of Bishops on UM National Youth Ministry Organization
Gammon Theological School, Board of Trustees
Andrew College, Board of Trustees
Clark Atlanta University, Board of Trustees
Emory University, Board of Trustees
Georgia Southwestern State University Wesley Foundation Board of Trustees
LaGrange College, Board of Trustees
Oxford College, Board of Trustees
Paine College, Board of Trustees
Reinhardt College, Board of Trustees
Wesleyan College, Board of Trustees
Young Harris College, Board of Trustees
United Methodist Children’s Home, Board of Trustees
North Georgia UM Foundation, Board of Trustees
Camp Glisson, Board of Trustees
Simpsonwood Conference and Retreat Center, Board of Trustees
Wesley Woods Senior Living, Board of Trustees
Methodist Foundation for Retired Ministers, Board of Trustees
Carter Center Board of Councilors
Georgia Council on Moral & Civic Concerns
Georgia Christian Council
Georgia Christian Council, Past President
Southeastern Jurisdiction Administrative Council, former Vice Chair
General Board of Pension and Health Benefits, Board of Director, Chair 2008-2012
General Board of Pension and Health Benefits, Board of Directors, Vice Chair 2004-2008
President of Southeastern Jurisdiction College of Bishops, 2005
General Commission of United Methodist Men, Vice Chair 2000-2004
General Conference, Delegate: Cleveland, Ohio, 2000; Denver, CO, 1996
Southeastern Jurisdictional Conference: Delegate, Lake Junaluska, NC 2000, 1996; Reserve  Delegate, 1992
Southeastern Jurisdictional Consultation of Larger Churches, 1991-2000,
 Steering Committee Chair, 1994
Alabama-West Florida Conference Denman Evangelism Award, 1990
Alabama-West Florida Conference Board of Ordained Ministry, 1976-1984 & 1994 - 2000
Alabama-West Florida Conference Membership & Ordination Section, Chair, 1994-1996
Alabama-West Florida Conference Council on Ministries Budget & Coordinating Committee,  1992-1996
Alabama-West Florida Conference Council on Finance & Administration, 1984-1986
Alabama-West Florida Conference Vision 2000 Task Force, Worship & Sunday School Attendance Campaign, Chair 1992-1999
Alabama-West Florida Conference Three Year Covenant Community for Spiritual Formation,  Chair, 1996-1999
Alabama-West Florida Conference Blue Lake Assembly Grounds, Board of Trustees, 1990-2000
Alabama-West Florida Conference Committee on Courtesies & Introductions, 1992-2000
Alabama-West Florida Conference Committee on Resolutions & Petitions, 1996-2000
Alabama-West Florida Conference Russia Initiative, “To Russia With God’s Love,” 1993-2000
Alabama-West Florida Conference Blue Lake Walk to Emmaus Community
Mobile District Committee on District Superintendency, Chair, 1994-1995
Mobile District Board of Missions and Church Extension, 1993-1997
Mobile District Mobile Inner City Mission - Board of Directors, 1994-2000
Dothan District Council on Ministries, 1979-1990
Dothan District Committee on Ordained Ministry, 1979-1990
Board of Managers, 1979-1990
Pensacola District Council on Ministries, 1975-1979
Committee on Ordained Ministry, 1975-1979