Alfred Baird Watson, 94, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025 in Huntsville, Alabama.

Born in Nashville Tennessee in 1931, he grew up in Tampa, Florida and Bryson City, North Carolina. He served in the Army, as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Company L325. He was fond of saying he jumped out of perfectly good airplanes! He worked and lived through the years in many states including Arizona, New York, South Carolina, Virginia and Georgia before retiring to Huntsville, Alabama. He worked for many years with IBM as a Benefit Specialist.

An avid outdoorsman, he found solace and challenge in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Deep Creek area in Bryson City/Swain County, North Carolina held a special place in his heart. He spent countless hours hiking both on and off trail, as well as trout fishing. He enjoyed his membership and friends of The Smoky Mountain Hiking Club, often planning and leading their hikes. He walked 900 documented miles of the park with many more miles spent exploring as a teenager. He relished the beauty of nature, the solitude of the wilderness, and the camaraderie of fellow hikers who shared his love of the trail.

Beyond his adventures on foot, Al was a devoted ham radio operator, connecting with people across the world though the airwaves. His call signs of K4BBF and W4ABW were known to many, and he delighted in sending and receiving cards from contacts in distant places. There was not a single country available that he did not contact. He was an accomplished member of the North Alabama DX Club, enjoying fellowship at the Club meetings. On the road, Al enjoyed owning and driving Corvettes. He tended and kept these vehicles in pristine condition.

Al's legacy is one of adventure and care for people and things he loved. He is survived by his son, Joe Watson of Harvest; daughter Carol Youngken of Nashville; bonus daughter, Lynne Lasater of Huntsville; grandchildren Tracey Watson of Gadsden, Zachary Youngken of Nashville, Kaitlyn Watson of Madison, and bonus granddaughter, Paige Brown (Justin) of Huntsville and four great grand children. He is preceded in death by his parents James and Louise Watson, his siblings and aunts, as well as his beloved wife of 45 years, Evelyn Forbus Watson.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date at the Bryson Place in Swain County, North Carolina. In honor of his memory, friends are encouraged to take a hike, tune in on the radio or drive a Corvette-just as Al would have loved. In true radio tradition, signing off W4ABW with a 73 - best regards to this world.