John William Watson Jr (“Bill”), age 73, of Hampton, VA, passed away on July 1, 2026, after a hard battle with pancreatic cancer. Bill was born on September 2, 1952, in Newport News, VA. He was the son of the late Nancy Staton Tysinger and the late Dr. John William Watson and his wife, Debra White Watson. As the son of a veterinarian, he grew up with many animals, including dogs, cats, a goose, and even a pony. Bill loved to share stories of his childhood, especially stories about his grandparents and growing up in Wythe. He shared a love of sports with his family, whether that was playing tennis or golf, or tailgating before a football game. Bill graduated from Hampton Roads Academy in 1970, before enrolling in college at the University of Georgia. Bill spent two years at UGA, joking that he spent more time in Atlanta than Athens, before enlisting in the US Army and serving three (3) years in Germany as a Payroll Clerk. After the Army, he continued his college education at Christopher Newport University, where he met many lifelong friends.

Bill was an entrepreneur who started several companies and always had an idea to share. He was a fixture in the Downtown Hampton community, where he earned his nickname “The Penguin” and befriended everyone he met. Bill loved watching sports, especially the Georgia Bulldogs and Virginia Cavaliers. He loved playing golf with his friends, playing trivia with his daughter, cutting a rug on the dance floor, and winning at cards and board games.

Bill is survived by his daughter Lanie Watson of Hampton, VA, his son John Watson (Michele) of Chicago, IL, and his sister Lynn Fisher (Brian) of Toano, VA. He is also survived by his nieces and numerous cousins and additional family members. 

Bill will be remembered for his big heart, friendly spirit, raucous laughter, and his dancing skills.

The family will receive friends at R Hayden Smith Funeral Home (245 S Armistead Ave, Hampton, VA 23669) on Friday, July 24 th, from 5 pm to 6:30 pm. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories at a celebration of life at Marker 20 (21 E Queens Way, Hampton, VA 23669) at 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, Bill has requested a drink in his honor or donations to help the family cover future expenses.