Thomas M. Watson Jr., known to so many as “Coach Tom,” passed away on Aug. 3, 2017, at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Health Center.

Thomas was born in Youngstown, to Thomas M. and Patricia Evans Watson. He was educated in the Youngstown School system and graduated in 1983 from Wilson High School. He also studied at Eastern Gateway Community College. Thomas worked a variety of jobs, including General Motors, and was most recently a driver for Plaza Auto Sales. Driving was one of Thomas’s passions. Thomas had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. He was always there to assist anyone in need, they just had to call. He was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan and his passion for football lead him to spend many years coaching a variety of little league football teams. He was most recently a coach for the Little Liberty Leopards and their equipment manager. This is where he shined, helping to instill confidence, hard work, and teaching the kids the importance of being a team player. Under the guidance of the coaches, Thomas being one them, the Midget division of the Little Liberty Leopards achieved greatness. They have been Super Ball champs four out of the last six years.

While not having children of his own, many children and adults have benefited from his giving nature. Thomas will be remembered as a bright and shining light to many children and adults.

Left to mourn his loss is his mother, Patricia Watson of Youngstown; his father, Thomas Watson of Cleveland; his sister, Tina Watson of Youngstown; his aunts, Adilah Bilal of Chicago and Susan McQueen of Youngstown; and his uncles, James Evans and Fred (Carol) Watson, both of Youngstown; and other family members, a host of friends and the Little Liberty Leopards family.

His grandparents; his uncles, Faheem Bilal and John Watson; and his aunt, Mary Catley, preceded him in death.

The family will be celebrating Thomas’s life with a memorial service on Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Union Baptist Church, located at 528 Lincoln Ave., Youngstown, OH 44502.

Conversation with the family will begin at 11 a.m. and will be followed by the service at noon.

Arrangements are entrusted to the L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.