Don L. Watson, Sr.

Don L. Watson, Sr. passed away 9.1.14 on Hilton Head Island -­" the place he always said was his "Heaven on Earth". Don was born in Miami, Florida, April 25, 1927 and grew up in Ellwood City, PA. Destined to become a high-­"achieving salesperson, Don had already started working in a bowling alley as a pin collector while selling the Saturday Evening Post door-­"to-­"door at the age of 11. Like many young men, Don rushed to enlist for military service immediately after high school graduation in 1945. With the war's end imminent, he served the Navy stationed in the Philippines. Returning to Pittsburgh, Don attended Robert Morris School of Business (now Robert Morris University). He graduated with the highest grade point average recorded to date with a Certificate in Accounting equivalent to today's B.S. degree. Soon after, he was "hit by lightening" by his first encounter with Edith Barisano. They married in 1951 and had the first two of four children in the early 50's. As a rising sales executive, Don was selected to establish sales offices for a PA-­"based manufacturer in cities including Chicago, St. Louis and Dallas. The young family of 4 became seasoned travelers. While living in Dallas, President Kennedy was assassinated...a day they never forgot. The third child was born in Dallas. A career opportunity made possible relocation to be closer to Pittsburgh family. As soon as they settled in Canton, Ohio at Lake Cable a fourth child was born. This became the family home for the next 33 years. The importance of a "handshake" deal, a niche opportunity in specialized manufacturing, a passion to be his own boss plus Don's love for the highway were deciding factors to establish Watson Sales Inc. in 1973. As a manufacturing sales representative, he traveled all 50 states and most of the Canadian Provinces to meet clientele face-­"to-­"face. Courage is being scared to death... and saddling up anyway. -­" John Wayne Even though he longed for the Cowboy way, his heart spoke louder for the Low Country life of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Don and Edith bought property in Moss Creek Plantation in 1981 and established permanent SC residence in 1997. The tenacious and resilient daily rituals of the surrounding marshlands are symbolic of Don's work ethic. He would of worked till the day he passed if it weren't for his ailments. He retired at 82. Don loved work, family, Western and action films, his enormous pipe collection, assorted family pets, traveling, sailing, racquetball, tennis, golf and riding his bike endlessly in Moss Creek. He was captivated by mountain vistas with breathtaking views, marshland habitats and starry nights. Don is survived by his wife of 64 years, Edith Watson, his son Don Watson Jr., daughters Patrice Watson, Julie Watson Jones and Lisa D. Watson. Don is also survived by Brother-­"in-­"law Leo Barisano; sister-­"in-­"law Mary Cotton; sons-­"in-­"law Gregory Jones and Donald Sanders; grandchildren Emma, Ava, Ethan, Julie and Greg Jr.; nieces and nephew Carol, Connie and David.... and his precious Shih Tzu, Star. A Celebration of Life party is planned for family and friends at a later date. Instead of flowers, the family asks any donations go to either Tidewater Hospice of Bluffton or your local Humane Society. A Celebration of Life party is planned for family and friends at a later date.