News Summary
Both Hixson and Dalton communities are in deep mourning following the loss of three cherished individuals: Albert ‘Ab’ Watson, Phillip ‘Matt’ Lanier, and Denny Ray Wilson. Their contributions and vibrant spirits were honored in heartfelt memorial services, showcasing the love and support of the community as they navigate this difficult time together.
Hixson and Dalton Community Mourns the Loss of Three Beloved Residents
Hixson and Dalton are feeling a profound sense of loss this week as the community grapples with the passing of three cherished individuals. The lives of Albert “Ab” Briton Watson, Phillip “Matt” Matthew Lanier, and Denny Ray Wilson were celebrated by family and friends, who carry with them the memories of laughter, love, and what each one brought to the community.
Honoring a Stalwart in Hixson: Albert “Ab” Briton Watson
At 96 years old, Albert Briton Watson, affectionately known as “Ab,” passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025. Residents of Hixson remember Ab not just as a neighbor but as a devoted member of the community. For decades, he was a familiar face at the Middle Valley Baptist Church, where he dedicated many years of service as a deacon. His unwavering faith was matched only by his love for his family, friends, and cherished Tennessee Volunteer football games.
Ab was the last surviving member of a large family, having been one of 13 siblings. His legacy was kept strong by his beloved family, including two sons, David and Gary Watson, along with their families. Ab enjoyed the joy of being a grandfather to four grandchildren and even found delight in five great-grandchildren, bringing warmth and laughter into his home.
Funeral services for Ab will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. Friends and family are welcome to visit starting at 11:30 AM until service time. The community is encouraged to gather and share their stories as they honor this truly remarkable man.
A Friend to Many: Phillip “Matt” Matthew Lanier
Another heartbreaking loss occurred just two days earlier, when Phillip “Matt” Matthew Lanier passed away on April 15, 2025, at his home in Hixson. Born in Chattanooga on March 29, 1978, Matt was known for his vibrant personality and friendly demeanor. He attended Hixson High School and continued his education at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), where he often made memories with friends.
As the community reflects on the impact Matt had on their lives, the loss resonates deeply. His funeral arrangements are in the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, with details to be shared with family and friends in the coming days. Everyone who knew him is invited to come together to celebrate his life and the joy he brought to others.
A Tragic Loss: Denny Ray Wilson
The community was shocked by the untimely passing of 33-year-old Denny Ray Wilson, who died tragically in a motorcycle accident on April 16, 2025. Denny, a lifelong resident of Dalton, Georgia, was born on October 5, 1991, and graduated from Southeast High School in 2010. Friends and loved ones remember him as someone full of life, prospects, and a passion for adventure.
In the wake of this tragic incident, the community in Dalton mourns alongside Denny’s family, reflecting on the memories they shared and the legacy he leaves behind. Funeral arrangements for Denny Wilson will be communicated through the appropriate channels in memory of his vibrant spirit.
A Community Coming Together
The outpouring of love and support from both Hixson and Dalton demonstrates the strength of these communities. As the families of Ab, Matt, and Denny navigate their grief, the heartfelt condolences and shared memories help to weave a tapestry of compassion and solidarity in these trying times.
In conclusion, while the loss of Albert Briton Watson, Phillip Matthew Lanier, and Denny Ray Wilson leaves a significant void, their spirits will forever linger in the hearts of those who knew and loved them. Their stories will continue to inspire generosity, kindness, and a celebration of life in the communities they touched.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Kenneth Tucker
- Dignity Memorial: Albert Watson
- Dignity Memorial: James Moore
- Dignity Memorial: Donald Maxwell
- Dignity Memorial: Lillie Wright
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Google Search: Community Loss
- Google Scholar: Grief Support
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grieving
- Google News: Hixson Dalton Obituaries
