Dr. Robert Hugh Watson

Dr. Robert Hugh Watson
Dr. Watson, 76, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully Sunday morning December 21, 2003 at his home following an extended illness. Dr. Watson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, dentist, and golfer was born in Whiteville, N.C. on September 22, 1927 to Eula Jay Stanley and Authur Watson. He had three siblings, Major C.B. Watson, Sylvia Edwards, and Virginia W. Riddick, all deceased.
Dr. Watson is survived by his wife of 52 years, Esther Mann Cheek of Carrboro, N.C. and his children Robert Hugh Watson, Jr. and wife Susan Webb Watson, Laura Watson Cooper and husband William Owen Cooper, and Arthur Cheek Watson and wife Christy Knight Watson. He also leaves eight grandchildren: Jennifer, Robbie, and Miller Watson; Ben, Luke, and Elizabeth Cooper; and Jack and Cate Watson. Family and many friends affectionately called him 'Doc.'
Dr. Watson attended school in Robersonville and Elizabethtown, NC where he graduated from high school in 1944. He served in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1947 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Radarman Third Class. While in the service, he was awarded Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal and Marksmanship Medal. He entered the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in 1948 and received a BA degree in 1950. He entered UNC School of Dentistry in 1954 and received a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree in 1957. He is a member of the Chi Psi and Psi Omega fraternities.
Dr. Watson entered private practice in Charlotte in July 1957 and was joined by his son Robert H. Watson, Jr. in 1983. Dr. Watson practiced general dentistry for 35 years until he retired in 1992. During his professional career, he was a member of the American Dental Association, the American Association of Dental Examiners and the North Carolina Dental Society and its components. He was Chairman of the Executive Committee of the North Carolina Dental Society, President of the Charlotte Dental Society, President of the Academy of General Dentistry, and President of the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners and served for 6 years. In 1979, he was elected a Fellow in the America College of Dentists. He had a faculty appointment at the UNC School of Dentistry for 4 years and was a lecturer and clinical instructor for Junior and Senior year students in restorative dentistry. He was instrumental in the development of the Dental Auxiliary training program at Central Piedmont Community College and gave lectures in the program. He also served on many committees in organized dentistry and study clubs.
Dr. Watson organized and led the initial program for protective mouth guards for Charlotte Mecklenburg high school athletes. He served as Chief of Dental Services at Charlotte Memorial Hospital, now Carolinas Medical Center. He helped in the organization of the dental intern program and the dental clinic where indigent patients are treated.
Dr. Watson was a member of Myers Park Methodist Church for over 40 years and was a Sunday School teacher for 2 years. He was a member of Carmel Country Club for 40 years and served as a director. He was instrumental in the development of Charlotte Sportsmen's Club and served as its President. He was a member of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and was licensed to fly powered aircraft and gliders.
He was an avid golfer and played competitive amateur golf, was a member of the Carolina Golf Association and the U.S. Golf Association. He won numerous amateur championships including the Greater Charlotte Championship (twice), the Azalea Amateur, and the Southern States Four-ball Championship. He was a member of the Carolina Cup Team in 1965, competed in three USGA amateur championships in 1968, and competed in the British Amateur in 1970. Dr. Watson was named Sportsman of the Year in Charlotte in 1967 as a result of his golf achievements and his work with junior golfers.
Despite his myriad accomplishments and abilities, he remained a humble, gentle and generous man. He will be sorely missed.
The family will receive friends at Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service, 1111 East Blvd, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23. The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 24, 2003 at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Rd. Memorials can be made to Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207, or to Hospice at Charlotte, 1420 East 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 20204.
Arrangements are in the care of Hankins & Whittington, Dilworth Chapel, 1111 East Blvd. Charlotte, online at www.hankinsandwhittington.com.