Johnny Lynn Watson, 69, of Banner Elk, was a well-loved man who cared for many, including but certainly not limited to his partner of 42 years, Mickie Caldwell, daughter Shannon Dean (Kirk), son Chris Caldwell(Jen), nephews Randy Horney(Judy) and Danny Horney(Jessica), granddaughter Shauna Caldwell, grandson Owen Dean, great-nephews and nieces, uncle Ronda Watson(Cathy), aunt Ruth Greene, and his horses— along with his late mother Reba Watson, father Leonard Watson, brother Jerry Watson, and sister Caroline Horney, and many aunts and uncles.

Growing up on the farm, Johnny's responsibilities were primarily focused on taking care of the animals which nurtured his lifelong passion for raising and caring for horses, cattle, goats, sheep, dogs, cats, and even a pig or two. He loved riding and working with his horses and spending time out in the fields of the farm where he was raised and was lucky enough to live on for the majority of his life. He enjoyed many moonlit night walks through the woods and always observed and admired the beauty of the land that "held him like a mother's arms".

Working at Hilltop Drive-In, Altapass Orchards, FCX(Farmers Cooperative Exchange), Beech Mountain Police Department, and Carolina Caribbean, while building and operating his own successful landscaping business, Johnny ultimately made a living working with the land and being outside with his favorite people.

Johnny often shared that he had "lived in two different worlds". His family didn't have indoor plumbing until he was 17 years old, but farm life in these mountains was good and he "wouldn't trade it for nothing". Johnny's fun spirit and calm ways of passing down stories and meaningful values of loving others, stewarding each season, and appreciating the beauty of every day will be deeply missed and will live on through the lives of everyone he touched.

A graveside service will be conducted Monday June 10, 2024, at 10:00 AM at Farm Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 6:00 PM until 8:30 PM at Hampton Funeral Home Chapel.

Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to St. Jude Hospital at st jude.org

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.