Funeral Services Set Saturday For Longtime Jockey Donald Ray Watson, Sr.

Funeral services are set Saturday for longtime Louisiana-based jockey Donald Ray Watson, Sr.

© Don Stevens

CARENCRO, LA–OCTOBER 5, 2022–Funeral services for longtime jockey . Donald Ray Watson, Sr. are Saturday in Opelousas, Louisiana. Watson, 57, passed away Tuesday (Oct. 4). He was born July 7, 1965.

Service will begin at 11:00 AM  (CDT) Saturday (OCT 8) at Bellevue Street Baptist Church in Opelousas. Interment will be in Evangeline Memorial Gardens in Carencro, Louisiana.

Visiting hours will be observed from 8:00 AM to 10:45 AM Saturday at the church.

According to Equibase records since 1995, Mr. Watson rode 1,148 Quarter Horse winners that earned over $15.7 million dollars.  He rode You Drive I Fly to victory in the 2017 LQHBA Million Futurity(G1) at Evangeline Downs for trainer Kenneth Roberts Sr. and owner-breeders Richard and Janelle Simon.

Among his other top mounts were stakes winners Heza Fast Rogue, First Prize Bourban, Scoopies Leaving You, Hesa Passem Magic, Eyes Dash, Perrys Runaway and Eyesa Flash to name only a few.

Mr. Watson is survived by his wife, Mrs. Deidra Watson of Carencro, LA; his mother, Leola Simien – Bellard of Lawtell, LA; one son, Donald Watson, Jr. (Ashley Simon) of Carencro, LA; one daughter, Deondra Watson (Christopher Brown) of Lake Charles, LA; two brothers, Patrick Watson (Monica) and Tony Watson both of Lake Charles, LA; two sisters, Pamela Eaglin (Michael) of Sunset, LA and JoAnne Young of Houston, TX; three grandchildren, Tristan Watson, Amaiah Watson and Kennadi Watson and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mr. Watson was preceded in death by his father, Emery Watson; one sister, Kim Watson Lewis and his father-in-law, Elliott Clark, Sr.

Share words of comfort with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.net.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas.