Ralph "Jay" Watson

Depending on when you encountered the man we are remembering and honoring, you might have known him as ‘Borrego’… ‘Tank’… ‘Cunado’…’Tio’… ‘Uncle Tickle’… and most likely his proudest nickname… ‘Buelo’. 

Ralph “Jay" Watson was born in Cotulla, Texas, on September 19, 1950 in Cotulla’s first hospital on Front Street. His family lived in Gardendale at the time, but moved to Cotulla before he started school.

Jay was 75 years old when he left this earthly life on August 17, 2026, in Houston, Texas. He was preceded in death by his brother Dean Watson and his parents, Ralph and Nelda Watson. Jay is survived by his wife of 51 years, Joy Casey Watson; his daughter Jenna and her husband Mark Ramos, and their children: Carter, Teagan, and Jace; and Jay’s son Ryan James “RJ” Watson. He is also survived by his sister Paula and her husband Mark Brookshire, and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews, along with many friends.

Jay lived most of his life in Cotulla, graduated from Cotulla High School, and attended Texas A&M University in College Station as a member of the Class of 1972. He earned his nickname ‘Tank’ from his fellow Corps members. He came back to Cotulla in 1972 to run his father’s Chevrolet dealership, and later managed the Mobil Bulk Gas Distributor before operating the RJ Watson Mobil Gas Station at the only red light in downtown Cotulla.

Over the years, Jay worked as a surveyor for USDA, an oil and gas landman, and later became a real estate broker, naming his business Tierra Roja Real Estate after the red sand prevalent in La Salle County and beyond.

Jay was a very active member of his community, serving in the Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce. He spent over 20 years as a Little League coach and over 30 years taking sports pictures for the Frio-Nueces Current newspaper at the Cotulla Cowboys football games. He and his family and friends participated in the Wild Hog Cook-off for over 40 years. He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Cotulla where he loved to sing tenor in the choir.

As for favorite past-times, Jay loved to watch sports, especially his Aggies, and even in his last days, he enjoyed watching the Little League World Series. He loved playing golf and fishing, too. In 2012 he and Joy fulfilled a dream to live on a lake when they bought a house on Lake Limestone near Groesbeck, TX. They generously allowed friends and family to visit and enjoy the lake house whether they were there or not. In 2021, they moved to the lake house full-time. Many people remember Jay for his quick wit and humor, along with his barbecue—especially his fajitas— a favorite among family and friends. And you all might be relieved to know he passed that skill down to his son RJ.

Special moments in Jay’s life include celebrating his 50th Wedding Anniversary with his wife Joy, the 50th Reunion of his Aggie Class of 1972, and 50 years as a member of the Cotulla Masonic Lodge No. 892.

But what he was most proud of, along with his own children, was his three grandchildren: Carter, Teagan and Jace Ramos, who he affectionately called his “Minions.” And they sure loved their Buelo, too.

You will be sorely missed, Jay…Tank…Buelo, but as you often liked to say to others, we’ll say to you: “Hasta luego.” 

Visitation will be begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Groesbeck Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Brandan Verm officiating. Burial will follow in Faulkenberry Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Ryan "R.J." Watson, Chuck Schulz, John Watson, Matthew Mendenhall, Joe Mack Casey, Bobby Casey, Brad Patton, Tinker Ramsey, and Christopher Watson.

Honorary pall bearers will be Jaxsen Watson, David Gode, and Mark Ramos.