Donald Bruce Watson

Mr. Donald Bruce Watson, MSG E-8 US Army Ret., age 93 of 325 Gwen Lane, Boiling Springs, NC, passed away Friday, March 28, 2025, at Wendover Hospice House in Shelby.

He was a native of Hartford Connecticut and lived here in Shelby for the past 57 years. Donald was the son of the late Charles Raymond Watson and the late Virginia Talbot Watson. He fought a good fight; he finished his course and kept the faith.

His retirement included 20 years’ service during the Korean War; Cold War; Viet Nam era with the US Army from 1948 to 1968 and 20 years as Staff Appraiser with Shelby Savings Bank, SSB.

He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Mooresboro, NC, and Charlie Cabaness Sunday School Class, also a past member of Young at Heart.

He was a member of Veterans of Foreign War (C.I.B.) Combat Infantry Badge; Special Forces Association (Green Beret) Fayetteville Chapter; DAV; Friendship Masonic Lodge #388 of Boiling Springs, NC, and American Legion Post 82, Shelby, NC.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Dedmon Watson of Shelby, NC; second wife Gwendolyn Williams Watson of Shelby, NC: two sisters, Ann Marie Snodgrass, CA; Geraldine Gagnon, CT; three brothers, Philip M. Watson, CT; Kent S. Watson, SC; Navy Seal Charles Richard Watson, N. Prince George, VA.

He is survived by his loving son, Michael B. Watson and wife Margie of Shelby, NC; daughter Donna Lee Watson of Shelby, NC; a stepson, Craig Whitaker and wife Sherry of Shelby, NC; stepdaughter, Gayle Whitaker of Shelby, NC; a niece Janis Anderson of Rutherfordton, NC; several step grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held 2:00 pm Friday, April 4, 2025, at Cleveland Funeral Services Chapel conducted by Pastor Mike Frazer. A visitation will be held from 12:00pm – 2:00 pm prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow with complete Military Honors in Cleveland Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions can be made to Trinity Baptist Church Building Fund, 746 Trinity Church Road, Mooresboro, NC 28114.

To sign the guest book, please go to www.clevelandfuneralservices.com.

A service of Cleveland Funeral Services & Crematory, Inc.