David peacefully passed away on December 21, 2024.

               We have lost a gleaming light who had a warm, beautiful smile, an infectious laugh, a sweet nature and a giving heart. He was loving, caring, intelligent, loyal, kind and funny. All who had the privilege of knowing and loving David knew that his pure love of life was never overshadowed by his Alzheimer's.

               David is survived by his wife, Gail Girardeau Watson; fur baby, Blake; brothers-in-law, Dean Girardeau (Lydia Aass) and Hal Girardeau (Cindy Girardeau); sister in-law, Ellen Girardeau; along with many nieces, nephews, caregivers and friends.

               David is predeceased by his Mama and Daddy, Thelma and Doug Watson; and brother-in-law, Lee Girardeau.

               David was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, and moved to Jacksonville, Florida, when he was 6 months old. He was raised in the small community of Mandarin, Florida, on the St. Johns River, where he began his lifelong love of the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting.

               David graduated from Dupont High School in 1956 and with great honor, served in the United States Air Force from 1956-1962. Following his service to our country, David worked in Jacksonville, Cape Canaveral, Atlanta and Charleston.

               In the late 1960s, he made Savannah his home and was a business owner and operator of Arrow Mobile Homes and Port City Electrical Supply Company.

               David was also successful in buying, leasing and selling commercial real estate.

               In the late 1980s, David purchased 75 acres in southeast Bulloch County, which he transformed into his dream outdoor paradise.

               David enjoyed all things outdoors, including riding motorcycles, riding and boarding horses, snow skiing, white-water rafting, traveling, fishing, hunting and boating.

               Gail would like to thank David's many caregivers, especially Ruby Clark, Angela Hill and Jessie Roberts, the staff at Willow Pond Senior Care and Regency SouthernCare Hospice.

               With grateful hearts, we reflect on the many ways David's life has been a blessing to us.

               To honor and respect David's wishes, no visitation or funeral service will be held.

               A special message to David from Gail.

               As long as the sun shines…

               the wind blows…

               the rain falls…

               You will live on inside of me

               for that is all my heart knows.

               Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.

               Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of arrangements.

Statesboro Herald, December 24, 2024

Sign the Legacy online guestbook at www.statesboroherald.com.