Arlie Watson Jr., manager of the Gatlinburg Food City, was recognized by the Gatlinburg Chamber of Commerce with the William C. Stevens Volunteer Spirit Award.
The award was presented during the Chamber’s annual meeting and banquet. “We are incredibly fortunate to have Junior (Watson) in our community,” said Mark Adams, president of Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Watson is extremely active within his community, serving as Gatlinburg Rotary Club president, Pittman Baseball treasurer, Elks Lodge Basket Fund chair, member of the Gatlinburg-Pittman High School Scholarship Committee and White Oaks Cemetery Board, coordinator for Gatlinburg’s annual Ribfest, Chili Cook-Off and Rotary Golf Tourney, volunteer for various Chamber events, Disabled American Veterans, Boy Scout Troop #211, Adopt-A-Spur Rotary trash project, Alzheimer’s Walk, annual parades, back-pack program, elementary schools and numerous other activities.
During the devastating wildfires that swept Gatlinburg and the Sevier County area in November 2016, Watson and his Food City team served thousands of dollars in complimentary meals to first responders, National Guard and other emergency personnel and donated thousands of dollars in food and supply items to relief shelters.
Watson and his wife, Cindy, have three children: Daniel, Hailey and Ben. They attend Richardson Cove Baptist Church.