Jerry Dean Watson Jr., age 62, of Lenoir, North Carolina passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

Dean was born on September 10, 1963 in Caldwell County, North Carolina to Carol Ann Walker and the late Jerry Dean Watson.

In addition to his father, he is preceded in death by his brother, Michael Scott Watson.

Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Carol Ann Walker (Charles Morris Price) daughter, Christine Gilbert (Tyler); sister, Stephanie Watson; grandchildren, Liam Gilbert and Lilly Gilbert; partner, Tracy Crolla; niece, Maggie Melton (Nicholas); wife, Mary Anita Watson; as well as numerous other loved ones.

Dean had a heart of gold. He loved animals, and he was an avid Redskins fan. Dean loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing and baseball as well as fireworks and guns. He will be missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service to honor the life of Jerry Dean Watson Jr. will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 2:00PM at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel.

The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service from 1:00PM until 2:00PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to PreBorn through their website donation link.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.