WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Sonny Watson's family name is all over Houston County, from Watson Boulevard to Central Georgia Technical College to Houston Healthcare.
On Tuesday, the longtime state legislator and county clerk died at the age of 86.
"I can't remember a time where the name Sonny Watson wasn't a significant name," Central Georgia Technical College Vice President Jeff Scruggs said.
Growing up in Houston County, he's seen the impact of Watson's service, especially at the Technical College.
"If it weren't for him, this campus would either be not here or greatly delayed," Scruggs said.
The Warner Robins campus was built in the 90's. Scruggs says Watson work in the state legislature allowed the school to get the proper funding to build up the Warner Robins Campus.
He says Watson's connection to Houston Healthcare also allowed them to get their land donated for their health sciences building and expand their campus life.
CGTC recently opened a wellness center named for Watson.
"It really helps our students have access to assets to enhance their health, wellness and campus life. We've been able to introduce some new sports programming, particularly football and starting this fall soccer. Men's and Woman's soccer," Scruggs said.
Houston Healthcare President Charles Briscoe says Watson made major change for the healthcare system.
"He helped create Houston Healthcare as a reorganized healthcare system in 2009," Briscoe shared.
Leaders like former Warner Robins Mayor Chuck Shaheen say during his time on the hospital board he helped put over $100 million into buildings and staff.
"To maintain quality access for all people in Houston County on a daily basis," Briscoe says.
Shaheen says he's even helped transition a bank he worked for on Highway 96 into a Fire Station.
"It was a great expense to the bank, but Sonny knew that we needed that property to grow our city," he said.
Shaheen says Watson was an exceptional leader, dedicated to making true change in the community.
"He told me he wanted to be a state representative, because that way you could help the whole county," he shared.
Former County Chairman Tommy Stalnaker says Watson got a lot done because of his kind character.
"I thought he was one of the best people that I've ever seen on being able to treat people fairly," Stalnaker said.
He says the relationships Watson built allowed him to make true change in the county, and set a foundation for future leaders to build upon.
Stalnaker says if Watson could say anything else, it would be," Be content, always try to move forward."