On March 4, 2026, Stan Watson passed away at his home in Palm Harbor, Florida. Born in Mount Airy, NC, Watson co-founded the natural supplement company, Vital Planet, with his wife Brenda Watson. A loving husband, grandfather, and entrepreneur, he was 64 years old at the time of his passing and is survived by his wife, his parents, Muriel Badgett Watson and Tommy Frank Watson, his sister, Allison Sinclair, her husband, Eric and their daughter, Roslin, his step-daughter, Joy Hillary and her husband, Chris, and his grandchildren Wednesday, Ella, Rocket, and Ava. 

StanWife.jpgStan Watson and Wife, Brenda Watson.

A graduate of NC State University, Watson worked with several Inc. 500 companies throughout his career before starting his own venture with his family. "Stan was my partner in every sense of the word. In life and in work. For more than three decades we were side by side with one shared mission: helping people find better health through the power of nature," read a post on wife Brenda Watson's Facebook Page. "Everything we built together, from Renew Life to Vital Planet, my books, PBS specials, clinics, and the education we’ve shared over the years, really came from that shared purpose. People often saw me on stage or on television, but Stan was always right there beside me making the work possible."

A devoted collector of classic literature, Watson divided his free time amongst his favorite pass times: reading his favorite Hemingway titles, scuba diving, and soaring amongst the clouds as a licensed pilot. "Those who knew Stan knew that his interests were as broad as his intellect, and he brought that same enthusiasm to all he did," read his obituary. "Stan was a man of wide-ranging curiosity and an adventurous spirit."

Honoring Stan Watson's legacy 

Representatives from Vital Planet put out an official statement addressing the news of their co-founder's passing, honoring his legacy and influence. "Stan was the quiet strength behind so much of what Vital Planet is today. His fingerprints are on every product, every relationship, and every life touched by our company. He lives on in the thousands of products on shelves and in the hands of people finding better health because of his work. He lives on most beautifully through Brenda, the love of his life, who carries that same mission forward with the same grace and conviction she is known for industry wide."

StanWatson.jpgStan Watson, Co-founder of Vital Planet
The statement concluded with a call to action to honor Watson's legacy: "Brenda and the entire Vital Planet family are devastated by this loss. At the same time, we are inspired and deeply honored to carry Stan's legacy into all we do from this day forward. We invite you to take a moment to honor Stan's memory and to recommit to your own health journey. It was the mission he gave his life to, and there is no better tribute to a man like Stan Watson than to take one’s health seriously."

Last September, Heather Wainer, WholeFoods Magazine Publisher and Chief Business Officer, caught up with the Watsons during a celebration of the company's anniversary. She remembers the co-founder for his character and loyalty. "Stan was such a kind man who was always at Brenda's side doing all he can to support and educate on microbiome products, pets products, and more. I feel blessed that I got to celebrate Vital Planet's anniversary with them this past September."

Funeral services for Mr. Watson will be held on March 29 at 2 pm at Curlew Hills Memory Gardens. His family has asked that in lieu of flowers donations be made in Stan's memory to Suncoast Animal League of Palm Harbor or Ocean Isle Beach Sea Turtle Protection Organization. For more information, please visit www.legacy.com

Remembering Industry Leaders