Donald Minor Watson

Donald was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. After graduating from Broughton High School in 1941, he enrolled at North Carolina State University. He was inducted into the Army Air Force in December, 1942. He served as a B-24 navigator with the 746th squadron based in Italy, where he flew 16 missions. His crew returned home in 1945, and he re-entered North Carolina State University, graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1948. He married the love of his life, Sammy Southerland, on November 13, 1948. After starting his career in Virginia and Georgia, he and Sammy returned to Raleigh, where he built a successful career with the State of North Carolina, retiring in 1984 as a Building Systems Engineer. He was a lifelong member of Hillyer Memorial Christian Church. During retirement, he was a faithful member of the Ole Raleigh Boys, the Kiwanis Club, and served as a volunteer with many charitable organizations.

Don was a devoted and loving husband, father, and "Old Dad" and he will be dearly missed by his wife of 68 years, Sammy, son Don Watson (Laurie) of Boone, daughters Shirley Smith (Dan) of Murrells Inlet, SC, and Kathy Whaley (Ron) of Raleigh; beloved grandchildren, Jason Ward (fiancé Ashley), Lindsay Schmeltzer (Patrick), Scott Watson, Laura Beth Veto (Paul), and Lacy Whaley; and great-grandchildren, Hannah and Donna Grace Schmeltzer. Also surviving are his sister, Jackie Keith and many nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 6, at 1:00 at Hillyer Memorial Christian Church, 718 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, followed by a service at the church at 2:00. Burial with military honors will follow at Raleigh Memorial Park.

The family is grateful for the loving care provided to "Old Dad" by Beatrice, Kimberly, Marquetta, Shaneke, Kesa, Evoni and Audrey and to the caring staff at Transitions Life Care. Flowers are welcome or donations may be made in memory of "Old Dad" to your favorite charity.