Donald Wayne Watson

Donald Wayne Watson, 81, of Ruckersville, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 17, 2026. He passed peacefully at Martha Jefferson Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Born on November 3rd, 1944, in Charlottesville, he was the son of the late Eunice Bryant and her husband George Bryant, who raised him as his own.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Ann Watson, who passed on January 5th, 2026. In addition, he was preceded in death by his twin sister, Jacqueline Elaine Moses, two sisters, Elizabeth Woodson and Peggy Shifflett, and one brother, Jimmy Bryant.

In his earlier days, Donald worked at Gardner Sheet Metal in Charlottesville. Then, for many years, he worked in Facilities Management at the University of Virginia and at Jefferson Park Baptist Church. He retired from the University of Virginia in 2012, after 35 years of service, and continued to work for the church through early 2025.

He deeply loved his family and cherished the time they spent together—boating on Lake Anna, fishing, going out to eat, and taking trips to the beach. He especially enjoyed working outdoors, where he spent much of his time, but above all, he treasured being with his family, particularly his five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Donald was known for his wonderful sense of humor and had a special gift for making everyone laugh.

Donald is survived by two daughters, Kelly Morris and her husband Jeff, who he loved like a son, of Ruckersville, and Barbara Melton of Charlottesville; one son, Jerry Melton and his wife Kathy, who he loved like a daughter, of Crockett, Va.; five grandchildren, Jason Lesich of Charlottesville, Christopher Lesich of Ruckersville, Jaiden Morris, Collin Morris and Kylah Morris all of Ruckersville; four great-grandchildren, Sean Lesich, Jacob Lesich and Faline Lesich of Ruckersville, and Raelyn Lesich of Charlottesville; a very close brother-in-law, Andy Powell, and a very close sister-in-law, Shirley Payne, both of Nortonsville; a special niece, Tracy Smith and her husband Billy of Ruckersville; a special great-nephew, Joey Smith and his wife Chelsey of Ruckersville; two brothers, Harry Bryant and Charles Bryant both of Charlottesville; one sister, Emma Bryant of Woodridge; and three special friends, Ingrid Smyer-Kelly, Brian Kelly and Connie Jones; and his fur baby Lilly Ann.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Batten Funeral Home in Ruckersville, VA. Viewing will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., with the service beginning promptly at 10:00 a.m. The service will be followed by a graveside gathering at Holly Memorial Gardens. A time of fellowship will follow at Maple Grove Christian Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the American Lung Association at lung.org.

Arrangements are entrusted to Batten Funeral Home of Ruckersville, Virginia.

An online guestbook is available at www.battenfuneral.com for those wishing to share memories or offer condolences. Your kind words will bring comfort and strength to the family during this time.