Daniel "Danny" James Watson, age 52, a native of Live Oak, passed away on Saturday, July 31, at Lake City Medical Center after suffering a medical emergency. He was born on Jan. 30, 1969, in Lake City, to Richard Gary and Nancy Lou (Godbold) Watson.
Danny was an active member of Future Farmers of America (FFA) and graduated from Suwannee High School in 1987. He married his high school sweetheart, Michell Roberts, on Sept. 23, 1989.
During the past 24 years, Danny served the citizens of Suwannee County as a Detention Deputy, Patrol Sergeant and most recently as a bailiff at the Suwannee County Courthouse. Prior to working with the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office, Danny was employed with Madison Correctional Institution as a correctional officer for five years.
He was the biggest fan of Florida State University (FSU) athletics, especially FSU football. He was an avid hunter. Danny always looked forward to his annual hunting trip in Alabama with his son, Jordan and his brother, Dale. He also loved to go bass fishing and saltwater fishing in the Gulf. Danny and Michell did everything together, including many trips to Disney World, where he enjoyed strolling down Main Street at the Magic Kingdom.
Danny was a private person. If you were lucky enough to know him genuinely, the first thing you would find is that he was a true family man. He adored his precious parents. Danny loved and cherished his wife. He was a doting father who was extremely proud of his children and the best brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, nephew, friend and coworker anyone could ever ask for.
Danny was met at the pearly gates by cherished family members that had gone before him, but there is no doubt that the first to greet him was his best canine buddy, Petey.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 32 years, Michell Watson of Live Oak; beloved children, Jamie Watson Nobles (Brandon) of Tallahassee and Daniel "Jordan" Watson of Live Oak; loving parents, Gary and Nancy Watson of Live Oak; caring brothers, David Wayne Watson of Live Oak and Richard "Dale" Watson (Angela) of Live Oak; faithful grand-dog, Louie of Tallahassee; best friend, Bobby Proctor (Kelli) of Live Oak, along with numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and other family members and friends.
The family received friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 3, at First Baptist Church, located at 401 W Howard St., in Live Oak. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, at First Baptist Church in Live Oak. Memorialization is by cremation.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Blackburn-Curry Funeral and Cremation, located at 380 N Lowder St., in Macclenny, Fla. Please sign the guestbook and share your condolences with the Watson family at www.blackburncurryfh.com.