Harold L. Watson Jr., 88, a devoted father, veteran, educator, and proud alumnus of Hampton Institute, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026, in Newport News, Virginia. Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, he was the beloved son of the late Harold L. Watson Sr. and Norma J. Watson. Raised in a family grounded in service, community, and strong values, Harold carried those principles throughout his life, shaping generations through leadership, scholarship, and an unwavering commitment to young people.

Harold graduated from the former Hampton Institute in June 1960 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science. A gifted athlete, he played basketball for Hampton, representing the institution with discipline, pride, and competitive spirit. He continued his academic journey at Hampton Institute, earning a Master’s degree in Education in 1971. He received certification as a Secondary School Principal in 1972 and completed the Clinical Faculty Program in 1989.

Following college, Harold served in the United States Army, further developing the discipline and leadership that would define his life’s work. His passion for history and education led to a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in Virginia public schools.

Harold began teaching in 1963 at the Prince Edward Free School in Farmville, Virginia, where he taught history and coached basketball. He later taught at Dunbar High School in Lynchburg from 1964 to 1965 before joining Hampton City Schools in 1965, where he served until 1991. During his long tenure, he taught social studies; coached basketball, baseball, and tennis; chaired the Social Studies Department; served as Acting Assistant Principal; and coordinated the In-School Suspension Program.

His influence extended well beyond the classroom. Harold served as a cooperating teacher for student teachers from Hampton University, Old Dominion University, and William & Mary, helping prepare a new generation of educators. He also taught Black History for the U.S. Army at Fort Eustis, served as an instructor of sociology at Christopher Newport University, and later taught in the Job, Education, and Training Program at Hampton University. In the later years of his career, he served as Program Coordinator at Richard Milburn Alternative High School in Hampton, continuing to mentor and guide students with compassion, patience, and purpose.

Harold’s commitment to service extended deeply into the Hampton community. He was a longtime member of the Beau Brummell Civic & Social Club, an organization devoted to fellowship, civic responsibility, and strengthening community bonds. Harold also cherished his brotherhood in Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., having pledged the Zeta Omicron Chapter, in Hampton Virginia, where he embodied the fraternity’s cardinal principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift.

Harold was the proud father of three children: Phillip Brown, who preceded him in death; Karen Littles of Atlanta, Georgia; and Tracey Altman of Richmond, Virginia. He was also a supportive father-in-law to Troy Littles. His children were the joy of his life, and he encouraged their dreams with steadfast love and guidance.

He was blessed with two grandsons who brought him immense pride: Jonathan Littles of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and his wife, Kaleigh; and Jarrett Littles of Mountain View, California. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren, Theia and Rune Littles, the children of Jonathan and Kaleigh, whose bright spirits carry the Watson family legacy into a new generation.

Harold was preceded in death by his sister, Evelyn Guy, and his brother, James Watson. He is survived by his daughters, grandsons, great‑grandchildren, extended family, former students, and colleagues, all of whom honor his memory and celebrate the life of a man who taught with purpose, lived with integrity, served his country, and loved deeply.

His legacy endures in the students he inspired, the educators he mentored, the family he cherished, and the community he served with dedication and heart.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions, 2609 Cunningham Drive, Hampton, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that expressions of sympathy be made through contributions to Hampton City Schools’ Hampton Education Foundation (HEF), honoring Harold’s enduring spirit, his devotion to students, and his lifelong commitment to uplifting the community through education.