William Earl Watson Jr.

William Earl “Duke” Watson Jr. was born on October 27, 1969, at JFK Hospital in Edison, New Jersey, to the late William Watson and Lois Watson. He was raised in Metuchen, New Jersey, where he spent his childhood and formative years surrounded by family, friends, and community.

Earl attended elementary school throughout the Metuchen School District and graduated from Metuchen High School. Following high school, he continued his education at Middlesex Community College, where he studied Business, preparing himself for a future built on hard work, leadership, and dedication.

From a young age, Earl excelled in sports and developed a true passion for bowling. Throughout his youth and high school years—and well into adulthood—he became an accomplished bowler, winning numerous tournaments and proudly bowling many perfect 300 games at bowling alleys across New Jersey. Bowling was more than a hobby for Earl; it was a lifelong passion that brought him joy, focus, and camaraderie.

Earl was a true jack of all trades, gifted with his hands and a strong work ethic. He learned the construction trade while working alongside his father in the family business, Watson Paving. After completing his studies, Earl transitioned into supervising and helping to run the business with his father. When his father became ill and passed away in 1997, Earl stepped forward to carry on the legacy, successfully running Watson Paving for the next seven years until 2004.

Following that chapter, Earl continued his career in construction, working for several paving and concrete companies as an Equipment Operator, Driver, and Foreman of operators. Even during this busy period of his life, he remained devoted to bowling, continuing to achieve perfect games on the lanes.

In 2015, Earl took another major step forward by earning his CDL Class A license. He began driving dump trucks for construction companies and, by 2020, transitioned into over-the-road (OTR) trucking. He drove for companies including Western Express and BNG Trucking. Through OTR trucking, Earl was able to see and visit many different states—an experience he truly enjoyed and took pride in.

On December 21, 2025, William Earl “Duke” Watson was called home by Jesus to rest peacefully with his beloved mother, Lois Pauline Watson, and his father, William Earl Watson Sr.

Earl leaves to cherish his memory his sister, Marie Watson; brother, Lamont Watson; sister-in-law, Liz Jones-Watson; nephews Shae Ethen Norris II and Syrreal Lamont Watson; niece Pamela Leiana Skye Watson ; aunts Violet Loretta Calloway, Judy Bell, Regina Watson, Catherine Crittendon, Mary Cooper, and Bibi Angola; uncles William Calloway and Lynn Calloway; and a host of loving cousins, extended family, and friends.

William Earl “Duke” Watson Jr. will be remembered for his hard working spirit, his love for family, his skill and pride in his work, and his lifelong passion for bowling. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the memories he leaves behind. He made many people LAUGH as you knew him. He stayed with the jokes and a smile on his face, and he is now resting with a nice grin on his face and bowling peacefully with his mom and dad now.