Alvin "Don" Donald, Watson Jr.

Don was born in Mobile to Alvin D. Watson, Sr. and Hattie Virginia Watson, née Moss, on June 12th, 1962. He went to school in Semmes, where he graduated as part of the 1980 Mary G. Montgomery High School class. He married the love of his life, Stephanie Watson, née Baxley, on May 19th, 2019, at Christian Life Church in Foley, AL.

Don was a devout Christian and an active member of Northside Bible Church. His faith in God began at an early age, and he enjoyed memorizing and reciting scripture, sharing Christ's love, and praising Him through music.

"Diesel Don" displayed a passion for trucks & automobiles and how they work at a young age, which followed him into adulthood throughout his career as an owner-operator of a semi truck. Even into retirement, Don could often be found outside working on a vehicle or tinkering with various projects as a hobbyist mechanic.

While he was widely known for being a "real man's man", Don also had a very gentle nature about him.

Despite the demands of life as both an over-the-road truck driver and single father to five, Don found a way to make time for each of his children.

A friend to many, he was always willing to help those in need.

Though he would occasionally try to hide it, Don's profound love of animals & plants was evident throughout his life. Whether it was discreetly feeding a stray animal after complaining about its presence, training birds and squirrels to eat from his hand, or showing off his green thumb in the garden, Don's love of the natural world was undeniable.

Don was also an artist at heart. He displayed a knack for music in his youth, picking up the organ and flute without lessons, then going on to play keyboard and drums in adulthood. Don's artistic nature also extended into the visual arts. Over the course of his final years, Don created dozens of paintings and gifted them to loved ones.

Don is preceded in death by his father, Alvin; his son, Jacob Watson; and long-time close friend Mark McLellan.

He survived by his wife, Stephanie; his mother, Hattie; his children Alvin "Donny" Watson III (and spouse, Zondra), Gregory J Watson (and spouse, Liz), David L Watson (and spouse, Megan), & Kazryn "Kaz" D Hughes, née Watson, (and spouse, Johnni); step-children, Brooke Beane, Amber Watson, & Britton Hall; his brother, Calvin R Watson (and spouse, Brenda); his sister Donna Phillips, née Watson; brother-in-law Steven Baxley (and spouse, Dale); and grandchildren, Joshua, Kaylea, Landen, Gabriel, Emma, Blayde, Jocelyn, Olivia, Aidan, & Hunter.

The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Danny & Becky Drake, Ronnie & Onna Doyle, Mark & Darlene Givens, Jessie & Becky Willis, Robert & Marjorie Hall, Gerald and Margaret Fant, Pastor Stan Givens & Northside Bible Church, Nurse Paige, Nurse April, & Nurse Micah, and to all the other doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals that provided love, care & support during this trying time.

Details on service arrangements to be provided as they become available.

Memorials may be directed to Northside Bible Church at 2700 University Blvd N, Mobile, AL, 36618.