OUR STAFF

Barry Watson

Manager / Vice President / Co-Owner (FD 1655)

A native of Britton's Neck, S.C., Barry is a 1978 Graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science. He is a Licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer in the State of South Carolina and holds a Preneed Insurance License in South Carolina. After retiring from the SC Highway Patrol, he moved back home and purchased Palmetto Funeral Home, which is now Watson Funeral Services and Crematory in January of 2007. He currently serves on the South Carolina LLR Board of Funeral Service. He served on the Executive Committee of the SC Funeral Directors Association and was president in 2023 and 2024. He is a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church, SCFDA, and NFDA. Barry currently resides in Conway with his wife, Carol Jordan Watson. We have four children and seven grandchildren. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends and watching sports.

Joe A. Watson

Co Owner (Non License)

I live in Britton's Neck. My family and I are active members of Nebo Baptist Church. I have operated Excel Construction in Horry County since 1979. One of the developers of Carolina Lakes and Glenmere, I am married to Diane Deas Watson. We have four children and twelve grandchildren. Our desire is to help serve the people of Horry, Marion, and surrounding counties in difficult times. This is the reason for purchasing Palmetto Funeral Home, which is now Watson Funeral Services and Crematory. Our goal is to accept you as part of our family and serve you with compassion and love to make a difficult time a memorable time for the loss of a loved one.

J. Dirk Spivey

Funeral Director & Embalmer FD (2660)

Jamie Suggs

Funeral Director & Embalmer (FD 4800)

A native of Conway, South Carolina, I am married to Sharon Bell Suggs, and we have three boys. In 2024, I graduated from Fayetteville Technical Community College, where I earned a degree in Funeral Service. I am currently a licensed funeral director and embalmer in South Carolina and have been an employee of Watson Funeral Services for 16 years.

I enjoy spending my time with my family, going to church, and playing the piano.

As a long-time employee at Watson Funeral Service, it is still an honor to serve families within our community.

Christopher "Chris" Grainger

Funeral Director, Apprentice (4712)

Adam Shaw

Funeral Director & Embalmer (FD 4395)

I was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio but became an official resident in Conway, South Carolina in 2021. A 4th generational funeral director and embalmer, I graduated from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. I am married to my wife Amy and we have three children, Anderson, Arrington and Ashlin. My family and I attend and fellowship at Ekklesia Christian Church here in Conway.

I enjoy coaching and playing soccer with the Upward Sports Ministry. As well as listening to music and playing the drums.

I am grateful for the opportunity to work at Watson Funeral Services with a dedicated staff that is truly available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I believe the funeral home is a ministry, here to serve all families regardless of financial status. We always strive to help those in need without the pressure and structure found in some corporate-owned funeral establishments.

If I can be of service to you or your family, please feel free to reach out to me directly.

Denise Holt

Administrator (Non Licensed)

Tracey Jordan

Administration Assistant (Non Licensed)

Raised in Aynor, South Carolina, I currently reside in Conway with my husband, Kelly Jordan. I am a Class of 1994 graduate of Aynor High School. I have one daughter and two grandchildren, whom I adore. I am an active member and Sunday School Teacher at Oak Grove Freewill Baptist Church in Conway.

I enjoy listening to music and preparing meals for church and family gatherings. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends. Especially, my grandbabies.

At Watson Funeral Services, my goal is to provide the best service possible. I am dedicated to answering your questions or concerns related to insurance assignments, veteran applications, death certificates, preneed, and at-need paperwork.

Gregg Cannon

Funeral Assistant (Non Licensed)

Kelly Jordan

Funeral Assistant (Non Licensed)

I am a life long native of Conway, South Carolina. Married to my wife Tracey Jordan. I am blessed with a step-daughter and two grandchildren. An active member and Sunday School Teacher of Oak Grove Freewill Baptist Church. A current part-time employee of Watson Funeral Services for over 14 years.

Outside of my responsibilities at Watson Funeral Services, I enjoy spending time with family, fishing, and working in my garden.

I have always had a compassion for people facing difficult times. I love my work at the funeral home. This position allows me to meet and fellowship with people in their time of need. Regardless of a loved one's journey into death, we will always strive to celebrate the life lived. Because, after all, every person is special and unique.

Cynthia Alford

Funeral Assistant (Non Licensed)

A native of Conway, South Carolina. I have been an integral part of the beginnings of Watson Funeral Services. I have the privilege of being the first female Funeral Assistant as the business began to grow from its earlier roots in the community.

I am a member of Evergreen Freewill Baptist Church. I am married to my husband, Carey Alford. Together with my husband Carey, our service to the community has continued together. Carey has joined me, also serving as a Funeral Assistant at Watson Funeral Services after his retirement.

As for our family, Carey and I have three sons, Carluss King, Kevin, and Jordan Alford. Three wonderful grandchildren, Dalton, Peyton, and Gavin.

When time permits, I enjoy quietly reading, lake life, and spending time with family and friends.

It has always been an honor to be able to serve the families in the surrounding area in times of losing a loved one.

Ray Cribb

Funeral Assistant (Non Licensed)

Tony Jordan

Funeral Assistant (Non Licensed)

Russell Harris

Funeral Assistant (Non Licensed)

Kurt Harris

Funeral Assistant (Non Licensed)

Annie Johnson

Hospitality (Non Licensed)

Terry 'Ted' Todd (1968 - 2020)

Gone but not forgotten

In Memory of a dedicated staff member and friend at Watson Funeral Service. 1968 - 2020. You are greatly missed, but always remembered.

"Ted" was a faithful and dedicated employee who was born and raised here in Conway, South Carolina. Ted was married to Michelle, and they have two children.

Ted was a long-time active member and former church secretary of Free Worship Freewill Baptist of the Pentecostal Faith Church, and also Ted's final resting place.

During his tenure at the church, Ted was involved in the music ministry by playing the piano and singing each Sunday.

In addition to helping part-time at the Watson Funeral Service, Ted was instrumental in his work as the Cafeteria Manager at the Pee Dee Elementary School.

"Ted" didn't know a stranger and was also known for his antics and sense of humor around the workplace.

Thank you, Ted. It is a pleasure to have known you. You are still a true blessing.

Bella Grace Watson

Emotional Support Puppy

Sadness can turn into a heartwarming feeling when our Comfort Dog, Bella Grace, gives love to a hurting family member. It's that little extra emotional support that's always appreciated at Watson Funeral Services & Crematory.