Daniel Edward Watson

Born in Roanoke, VA, on November 16, 1962, he was a son to the late William J. Watson, Jr and Betty Davis Watson.

Daniel was a graduate of North Side High School in Roanoke, VA, and a graduate of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA.

Daniel worked as a manager for Kroger for 30+ years. After retiring, he became the merchandising rep for the Carolina Mudcats. Daniel was a lifelong sports fan who participated in many sports throughout his life. He especially enjoyed going to see his favorite teams play, including the Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings, St. Louis Cardinals, and the Carolina Hurricanes. A lover of adventure and travel, Daniel had a special fondness for Las Vegas and could never pass up a game of craps. He hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru twice and walked the 73-mile Hadrian’s Wall Trail across northern England, journeying coast to coast and staying in pubs along the way. Daniel loved to travel and took great joy in visiting many countries.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, December 22, 2025, in the chapel of McLaurin Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00pm, just prior to the service. Burial will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Park. A reception will be held after the service at the funeral home.

In addition to his parents, Daniel is preceded in death by his brother, Gary Watson.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kari Lynn Conner Watson of Clayton, NC; father-in-law, Larry Conner; mother-in-law, Jewel Conner; sisters-in-law, Robin Watson of Calabash, NC and Janet Conner Mills (Derrick) of Raleigh, NC; nephew, Gray Watson (Amanda) of Somerset, NJ; Niece, Allie Watson of Calabash, NC; and loving puppies, Winston and Tula.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Wake or Johnston County SPCA