Donald Walter Watson

Donald Walter Watson passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2020, with his wife and daughter by his side, at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center.

Donald was born on August 31, 1942 in Wilmington, North Carolina, to Wiley Ballard Watson and Ruby Mozell Fowler Watson, who pre-deceased him in death.

Donald’s parents moved to Carolina Beach, then to Wilmington from Georgia when his father went to work in the Wilmington Shipyard as a welder, working on Liberty ships during World War II. Donald attended local schools and graduated from Hanover High School.

Donald joined the United States Navy after graduation and went to Aviation Ordnance School, and his first assignment was aboard the carrier USS Valley Forge, then he was transferred to Newport News, Virginia as part of the pre-commissioning crew for the first nuclear powered carrier, the USS Enterprise. He was a proud plank owner from the day the “BIG E" was commissioned until he was honorably discharged in 1963 as an Aviation Ordnance Petty Officer 3rd class. He was aboard the USS Enterprise during the Cuban Missile Crisis and blockade in October 1962. He received an Honorary Discharge on August 23, 1963. He was able to attend the 50th birthday party for the ship in December 2011, and also attended the deactivation ceremony in December 2012.

Donald retired from Chevron Oil as Assistant Superintendent in 1992 after 28 years of loyal service. In 1994, he went to work for LabCorp, and again retired in 2010 after 16 years of service as a customer service rep to many medical offices and medical facilities in Brunswick County.

After retirement, he became involved in War Between the States Living History, and portrayed a preacher, banker, or business owner. He and his wife, Martha participated in Living History Events at Fort Fisher, Fort Anderson, Plymouth, NC, The Columns in Florence, SC, and the Battle of Resaca in Georgia. Donald and Martha made many trips to Civil War Battlefield sites in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. They also enjoyed searching for Confederate ancestor' gravesites.

Donald was a member of George Davis Camp 5, Sons of Confederate Veterans, and was the Commander and charter member of the W.H.C. Whiting # 305 of the Military Order of the Stars and Bars, whose members are descendants of the Confederates Officers Corp. He served as Commander until medical issues took over his life. He battled minor illnesses since 2015, then his minor medical problems caused major medical problems beginning in April of 2019. He was also a member of the USS Enterprise CVN 65 Association, and attended annual reunions in South Carolina and Tennessee. Donald and Martha were able to attend two Friends and Family cruises, going out to sea, touring the ship, and watching unique air shows. On the second cruise, Martha's parents received permission to attend, which was so special because he served as a plane captain during the Korean War on the USS Princeton 37 with squadron VC 35.

Donald spent many weeks in the hospital since mid-July, mostly on the 5th floor. He had several favorite nurses and aides who took great care of him, including Tom, James, Daniella, and especially Dee, who was so sweet, and took great care of her “boyfriend.” Lisa Fisher, RN, who was his home health care wound care nurse, held a special place in his heart, and his hope was that she continues to have a wonderful time in the Keys.

When he began dialysis around October 2019 after coming home from the hospital, he enjoyed going to the Davita Dialysis center. He had a special affection for his tech, Jackie. He began declining in February, and spent a total of 8 weeks in the hospital and rehab before being admitted to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center. His family is so thankful for the care he received there, so that his remaining time was pain free.

Donald is survived by his wife, Martha Eason Watson; his daughter, Mary (Melissa) Watson; his son, Jeremy Donald Watson and daughter-in-law Jennifer; the mother of his children, Marilyn M. Flowers and her husband, Dennis Flowers; grandchildren, Damian Spencer Watson and Isabella Caroline Watson, all of Wilmington, and Eric Marciano Machado of Seattle, Washington; his brother, Roy Boyd Watson and sister-in-law, Cheryl, of Rockmart, Georgia; and his nieces, Donna, Cathy, and Myra, all of Georgia. Also surviving are his father and mother-law, Thomas D. Eason and Patricia J. Eason; brother and sister-in-law, Thomas D Eason, Jr, and wife, Glenda R. Eason; nephew, Zack and his wife, Heather Grizzle. In addition, he leaves to cherish his memory, his cousin, Marilyn Watson McKoy and Bobby McKoy of Wilmington; and his special cousin, Yvonne L. Brown and her husband, Larry Brown, of Sunset Harbor, NC. Donald is also survived by his cats, Abbi and Smoki, and his Rat Terrier pup, Cookie. Donald and Martha were fortunate to have great neighbors next door for many years. Fred Knopp, Tina Murphy, Brooke Knopp Sasser, and her husband, Chris Daniel Sasser, continue to be there for us, as well as Linda Lashley and Brenda Shadrack, who are my UDC sisters, and we would be lost without them. Their love and support for Martha has helped more than they know. Ed and Sharon O'Neil are his new neighbors, and they make sure that Martha is ok, and always offer support

Due to the Covid-19/Coronavirus restrictions, no visitation or funeral services can be held. A private graveside service will be held. There are no plans for a Memorial Service at a later date for the same reason, visits to the home are discouraged because of “social distancing.”

The family also wishes to thank his doctors, Dr. Charles Neuwirth, and his nurse, Holly, Dr. Kristie Simms, Dr. Michael Favorito, Dr. Frank Hobart, and his nephrologists, Dr. Donner, Dr. Pierson, Dr. Moore, and Dr. Donner. He was particularly grateful to the best primary care provider, FNP Kimberly Simms, who did her best to take care of him thru many difficult medical challenges.

The family is grateful that he is at peace and is no longer in pain.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center, or to Fresh Start Rescue Inc at P.O. Box 256 in Willard, N.C. 28478. This is a rescue that exists to rescue reptiles, and get them medical attention. Mike and Nicole love these animals and take excellent care of their rescues, and give programs in area counties to help educate the public. They have also been there to offer support to us when Donald was so sick.

Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel is in charge of services during this difficult time, which are especially complicated by social distancing.