Clifton Watson, Jr.

 Mr. Clifton Watson, Jr. age 75 of 1337 Sanders Rd., Sanford, NC, transitioned into eternal rest on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at his residence.

The family will receive friends at the home. Due to the COVID19 Pandemic, anyone visiting, please wear a mask.

OBITUARY

“So with you: Now is our time of grief, but I will see you again, and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”  John 16:22

Clifton Watson, Jr., peacefully went home to be with our Heavenly Father on August 27, 2020, following a long term illness.   He was blessed to be at home, surrounded by family.  On that afternoon, his family noted that their Papa had closed his office for the final time.

“Junior” as the family affectionately knew him was the son of the late Clifton and Alberta (McIver) Watson, Sr. of Lemon Springs, North Carolina.    He was born on November 10, 1944, and raised in Lemon Springs. He was the second child of the couple’s three children. He was preceded in death by his older brother, Hubert Watson, and younger sister, Mary Frances (Watson) Jackson. 

Clifton accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior at an early age and was baptized at the McQueen’s Chapel Methodist Church in Lemon Springs, where he grew spiritually and emotionally.  As a young teen, Clifton contributed to the church’s operations by occasionally driving the Sunday School route to pick up others in the community headed to the church.  He was loved and widely known throughout the community.  His infectious smile and laughter brought joy to the many people who knew and encountered him.  

In 1963, Clifton graduated from W. B. Wicker High School in Sanford, NC.   Following graduation, he studied at Central Carolina Community College (formerly CCCI), where he followed his natural passion, and earned an Associate Degree in Telecommunications.    

Clifton was united in holy matrimony to the late Vera (Hooker) Watson from Sanford, NC.  The couple was blessed with five beautiful children: Anthony, Stephanie, Tjuana, Cleshona, and Clintrell. Clifton is remembered for taking his family on what was known, to the kids, as the Sunday rides for ice cream and snacks. On one occasion, the family remembered a ride where they ended up in South Carolina. 

Clifton served his country with distinction.  He began his tour of duty in Vietnam on February 15, 1966, and was honorably discharged on February 14, 1968. While serving our country, he worked with the radio communications stations. 

Upon his return to the States, Clifton reconnected to what was his natural gift, the ability to talk and win over hearts and minds through music.  Clifton became an on-air disc jockey.   His on-air presence included several stations where he was known as “Charlie Walker, Danny Davis, and Double D” on WFJA, WEYE, WIDU, and WXKL radio stations. Clifton earned awards, appreciations, and recognitions for this service to the stations and broader communities.   Many organizations and groups benefited from having him serve as a host, promoter, or DJ at their events.   His first cousin Deborah told us that, “He was technically the best. He could make the records fit together, he was funny, and he was the best ad-libber I’d ever heard.”

Clifton was humble, kind, and had a selfless spirit. He enjoyed being a chauffeur for many family members and friends.  He loved to discuss the politics of the day with anyone who would listen.  He loved to talk, and always had encouraging words or a lesson or two to share regardless of the situation.   Many people loved and respected Clifton. Often you would catch him saying, “I got more time than money,” and “the office is always open.”  Now that Clifton’s office is closed, he begins his new journey in his office in heaven.

Clifton leaves to cherish his memory his loving children:  Anthony Hooker (Yvonne), Stephanie Hooker,  Tjuana Hooker, Cleshona Watson, and Clintrell Watson, and five grandchildren: Sherrod and Shaina Toomer, Brittani Smith, Kayla Watson, and Harmony Watson,  and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Professional Services Entrusted to:  Knotts Funeral Home, Sanford

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