Donald Wade Watson

Mr. Donald Wade Watson, age 76 of Franklin, TN, passed away peacefully at home on October 23, 2016 from complications due to a stroke he suffered on August 1, 2016. Born in Mt. Airy, NC, Don as he was known to many, was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was an active member of both the American Legion and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Brentwood, TN, Lodge #72. Don was a sergeant and paratrooper in the US Army, serving in the Korean War with the 101st Airborne Division. Returning home, he began his career in law enforcement at the Winston-Salem Police Department, quickly advancing to sergeant. Don then accepted a position with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms which took him to Mobile, AL and Nashville, TN. In his retirement years, Don worked with the Franklin Police Department and Williamson County Sheriff’s Department. Don also served as a civilian contractor with Dyncorp Inc., and a Police Trainer with the United Nations in both Kosovo and Iraq. Survived by: wife of 53 years, Carol Watson of Franklin, TN; daughter, Dara Faith of Thompson’s Station, TN; son, Kip (Angie) Watson of Murfreesboro, TN; grandchildren, Sierra Faith, Tyler (Kelsey) Watson, Caroline and Neyland Watson; great grandchild, Clayton Watson and sister, Sandra Knight of North Wilkesboro, NC. Funeral services will be conducted 1:00 PM Thursday, October 27, 2016 at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home, Ed Alexander officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service. Interment Williamson Memorial Gardens. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Current and Retired Officers of Franklin Police Department and Williamson County Sheriff’s Department. Memorials may be made to any Hospice charity of your choice or Fraternal Order of Police. WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 615 794-2289. www.williamsonmemorial.com