Popular Walker County columnist Rick Watson, who wrote for a variety of Central Alabama publications, died suddenly in July 2020.
Watson was a beloved member of the Walker County community, especially in east Walker County. His “Life 101” column was almost always written from the peacefulness of his 12-acre farm in the Empire community. His work focused on observing the joys of rural life.
Watson’s work could be found in the following publications: 280 Living, the Tannehill Traders in Birmingham, 78 Magazine, Village Living in Mountain Brook, the Hoover Sun, the Homewood Star, the Birmingham News, the Birmingham Post-Herald, Senior Living, the Atmore Advance, The Kosciusko (Miss.) Star-Herald and the Birmingham Arts Journal.
The Community Journal is overjoyed to announce that as of this Saturday Watson’s column will be published every week on our online news source for Walker County.Â
““No one I have ever known or met loved their community as fervently as Rick Watson,” said Jilda Watson, his wife of more than 40 years. “His writing and community involvement demonstrated that extraordinary love.
“l know he’s somewhere smiling and giving The Community Journal a big thumbs up,” she added. “I am so excited that his column will be shared and those who have missed his words can read them once again.”
James Phillips, co-founder of The Community Journal, said the launch of the online news source was dedicated to Watson’s memory.
“If it wasn’t for his wisdom and guidance, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I also wouldn’t be the newsman that I became,” said Phillips, who is also Watson’s nephew. . “Rick is also an inspiration for me to become better as a person and a professional, and. I’m glad I let him know that while he was still with us.”
Past versions of Watson’s column will debut at community-journal.com on Saturday, Aug. 6.Â
The Community-Journal would have Rick Watson fired up and proud that his influence played a part in the founding of this local news source. As new ownership of America’s rural newspapers start to close the doors on the historic journals of American life, there is no replacement. I encourage Walker County to embrace this effort to keep every citizen connected.