Thomas Booker Watford Jr.

Thomas Booker Watford Jr. was born Sunday, October 13, 1935, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Thomas and Ethel Watford. He was the first of three children. Thomas was educated in Philadelphia. After high school, he attended Temple University and earned a Degree in Business Administration. Following in his father's footsteps, Thomas worked for RC Remmey's Refractory Company while in college. He had a love of music and DJ’d under the name, “Chic Watford.” He worked for several local radio stations in Philadelphia. Thomas was called to serve in the United States Army from 1957 through 1960. He spoke of the good times traveling the world and his time spent in the Criminal Investigation Division, a specialty unit of the military police. He shared several stories about his time in CID. After serving his country, Thomas met and courted Ruby Etter. The two were later married, and their union produced three boys, Craig, Derrick and Jeffrey. Thomas had ventured into the insurance industry and opened his own insurance agency named, Craig Insurance Agency, which handled all facets of insurance. He continued his love of insurance, sold his agency and moved the family to Hershey, Pennsylvania, where he took a position with the Hospital Association of Pennsylvania as a Risk Manager. He continued sharing his Risk Management knowledge with the National Board of YMCAs in New York City and Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, where he held the same positions. Thomas never really retired up into his later years; he taught continuing education for insurance practitioners. Thomas was always willing to help friends and family and provided a listening ear to all. He loved a good scotch and a steak cooked medium with onions. He never backed down from a challenge and always ensured his boys knew he had their best interest in any situation; all he demanded was the truth. He had an undying love for his family and imparted wisdom to more people than one could count. Thomas always had a way of making people feel comfortable. He would always say he was as comfortable in a bar room as he was in a boardroom; and if you knew him, you know just how true that statement was. Thomas was called home by the Lord on Thursday, February 23, 2023. He leaves to cherish his memory and emulate his legacy two sons, Derrick Watford of Abington, Pennsylvania, and Jeffrey Watford of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; a brother, Irven Watford and his wife Diane of Sicklerville, New Jersey; a brother-in-law, Arthur Craig of Pennsauken New Jersey; five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, other relatives and many friends. PRIVATE SERVICE FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME.

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Thomas Booker Watford Jr.

October 13, 1935 - February 23, 2023