Mr Robert Harmon Watson Jr.

Watson, Robert Harmon, Jr – age 68, of Knoxville passed away on Friday, April 11, 2014. Three weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he left this world the way he lived his life: surrounded by those he loved and with dignity, bravery, and a sense of humor. Robert was born on Thanksgiving Day in Radford, Virginia in 1945. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert H. Watson, Sr. and Oma Lee Hall Watson. He leaves behind the love of his life, his high school sweetheart and wife of 46 years, Pat Fowler Watson. His three children and their spouses: Beth Watson and Dr. Danny Drinnen, Christy Watson and Benj Lauderback, and Drs. Luke and Jackie Watson, as well as six wonderful grandchildren: Alex and Lucy Drinnen, Ian, Bonnie Watson, Ella Scout and Brennan Lauderback. Robert graduated from Central High School and obtained a B.S. degree from the University of Tennessee. He earned a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1970. Robert was a member of the Reserve Officer Training Corp. and he entered the Army in 1970 as a Second Lieutenant. He was honorably discharged from the Army Reserve with a rank of Captain. In 1970, Robert began his law practice as a staff attorney for the Legal Aid Clinic. He began private practice in 1972. He formed what would be his present day law firm in 1983. Today that firm is known as Watson, Roach, Batson, Rowell and Lauderback, P.L.C. During his legal career, Robert represented governmental entities, individuals, and physicians throughout the State of Tennessee. He was Chief Trial Counsel for the Tennessee Municipal League Risk Management Pool for the past 20 years. For over 30 years he represented the City of Knoxville and Knox County in a variety of litigation on behalf of the City, County, or their employees. Robert was board certified in both Civil Pretrial Practice and Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He was also certified as a Civil Trial Specialist by the Tennessee Commission on Continuing Legal Education and Specialization. He was listed as a preeminent trial attorney by Martindale Hubbell for over 20 years where he had an AV rating. He has been listed as both a SuperLawyer and a Top Attorney in Knoxville. He was involved in several thousands of lawsuits in all state and federal courts in Tennessee. He argued cases in the appellate courts of Tennessee as well as in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. He was a trial lawyer and epitomizes what a trial lawyer is supposed to be. He was a “lawyer’s lawyer.” Robert lived life to the fullest. He loved his career, but was at heart a family man. His huge smile, generous spirit, and love of nature will be missed but not forgotten. A celebration of Robert’s life will be on Wednesday, April 16th at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension on Northshore Dr at 3:00 PM with The Reverend Christopher Hogin officiating. Fellowship with family and friends immediately following the service in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Friends of the Smokies (P.O. Box 1660 Kodak, TN 37764) or Wesley House (1719 Reynolds St., Knoxville, TN 37921) Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel. Online condolences at www.rosemortuary.com

Tributes

Mr Robert Harmon Watson Jr.

April 11, 2014