Reverend Donald Wayne Watson, Sr.

Rev. Donald “Wayne” Watson, Sr. 80, of Kannapolis went to be with his Lord on February 16, 2024, from The Greens at Cabarrus in Concord after a period of declining health.

A graveside service to celebrate Wayne’s life will be held at 1:00 PM Monday, February 19 at Pine Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Chesterfield, SC with Rev. Harry Brown officiating.

Wayne was born March 19, 1943, in Chesterfield Co. SC, a son of the late Jack and Gulah Wilkerson Watson. In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Lorine Brown Watson, his son, Donald W. Watson, Jr., two grandsons, Zachary Thomas Watson and Brandon Scott Goodson, his sister, Janice W. Helms and his brother, Larry Dean Watson.

Wayne was a longtime area resident and pastored several local churches, including Elwood Lane Freewill Baptist Church for 15 + years.  

Survivors include his three daughters, Teressa W. Wingler (Tim) of Boiling Springs, SC, Michelle W. Forsyth (Randall) of Kannapolis and Jackie Watson of Kannapolis. Wayne is also survived by his grandchildren, Taylor and Morgan Wingler, Faith Watson, Junior Forsyth, and Daziah Ortiz; four great-grandchildren and his sister, Shirley Johnson of Pageland and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com

Memorial donations can be made in his name to Free Will Baptist Children’s Home, PO Box 249, Middlesex, NC 27557.

Whitley's Funeral Home of Kannapolis, NC and Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home of Chesterfield, SC are serving the Watson family.