Albert Conrad Watson
Albert Conrad Watson, Jr., 92, took his last breath here and his first one in Heaven on May 7, 2026.
Al was a devoted husband to and is survived by his wife, Annie Catherine “Cathy” Caldwell Watson; was the BEST DAD EVER to his three loving daughters, K. Dianne Buchanan (husband, Tom), Cheryl Watson Smith & C. Darlene Doucette to whom he was “The Dad.” To his grandchildren, Aaron, Steven, Emily, and Timothy Doucette, he was “Grandpa,” and to Caitlin and Connor Smith, he was “Pa.”
He was Conrad to family and Al or A.C. to friends and colleagues, later in life. His sisters affectionately called him Bubba, and his brothers called him Bullwinkle. At the Glebe, he became known as “George the waiter” for his role in a recurring resident production.
Al was born in Lunenburg County, VA, to Albert C. Watson, Sr. and Mary Louise Meador Watson and survived all of his siblings: Jean Reynolds (husband Jack), Audrey Wood (husband Billy), Carolyn Ward (husband Zee), Charlotte Saldana (husband Frank), Michael “Mike” Watson, and Fredrick “Freddie” Watson (survived by wife, Sarah).
Al served in the Army from 1953 to 1956. He was first stationed in Korea, where he served as a firefighter and ambulance driver. He returned to the States and trained at White Sands, New Mexico, to drive a 40-ton Missile Erector vehicle designed to transport The Corporal Missile. He was shipped to Germany and drove the Missile Erector vehicle with The Corporal Missile until the steering and brakes failed, and he was injured in a wreck.
Al used his G. I Bill to attend Danville Technical Institute (DTI), where he met his soon-to-be wife. Al studied electronics and earned his First-Class FCC license.
After graduating from DTI on Friday, February 20, 1959, he went to work for General Electric on Monday, then married his sweetheart on Saturday. While working for General Electric, the family moved from Lynchburg, Virginia, to Anniston, Alabama, Meridian, Mississippi, and Fairfax, Virginia, before ending up in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Al served as a deacon at Park Street Christian Church for many years while living in Charlottesville. He served as a deacon at First Christian Church after moving to Roanoke.
Al loved hunting when he was younger, and more recently, he enjoyed watching the deer in the field outside his windows at The Glebe.
All his life, Al was a problem solver. He liked to figure out how things worked and to fix things. He was willing to lend a hand to anyone in need and always had a tool bag ready if something needed to be tinkered with.
The Dad had a big heart. He was kind and generous to his family and friends. The Dad loved us well.
Al’s family expresses their appreciation to the staff of The Glebe in Assisted Living 3 and Healthcare for their loving and compassionate care for him after his stroke in August 2025. The staff fondly remembers how he endeavored to win candy at Bingo so he could share his Bingo winnings with everyone. Additionally, we thank the staff at Good Samaritan Hospice for their compassionate care for all of us.
A memorial service, followed by a time of fellowship, will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Botetourt Room at The Glebe, 200 The Glebe Boulevard, Daleville, VA 24083.
In lieu of flowers, donations to support the Haymakertown Cemetery, where he will be interred at a later date, may be sent to 5440 Peters Creek Road, Suite 104, Roanoke, VA 24019-3863.
