ROYCE ANDREW WATSON Born March 8, 1932 to Robert Dealing Watson and Kirsten Marie Johansen Watson in Brooklyn, NY, Royce Andrew Watson lived life to the fullest, was always open for adventure, and never conceded or yielded to a challenge. Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and Royce unexpectedly passed away on January 24, 2019. During his lifetime, Royce served as a First Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corp and attended Wagner College, University of Miami, and Johns Hopkins University - earning BS, MT, BBA, and MBA degrees, along with Certificates in Hospital Administration and International Health Planning. Royce also completed his PhD work at Florida State University. Health Service Management and Administration were the cornerstones of Royce's professional career. Although his achievements were many, including being published and receiving a multitude of major honors and awards, Royce spoke most fondly of his time working on the staff of Florida Governor Claude Kirk as well as with Surgeon General C. Everett Koop. Royce volunteered for several organizations - largely the Boys Scouts of America, the National Philharmonic Orchestra, Montgomery County Agricultural Fair and the National Lutheran Home Stamp Program. He was also a devout Lutheran and was ordained as a Deacon in the ELCA. However, Royce's utmost passion was focused on his Masonic activities, especially the Shriners Hospitals for Children - for which he was their most ardent ambassador. Royce was elected to numerous top positions within the Masonic bodies, notably Past Master of Pentalpha Lodge #194, Potentate of Almas Shriners; Most Excellent Grand High Priest, Royal Arch Masons of Maryland; Illustrious Grand Master, Royal and Select Masons of Maryland; Right Eminent Senior Grand Warden, Grand Commandery of Maryland; and Illustrious Thirty-Third Degree (33'), Inspector General Honorary, Scottish Rite Masons. Even with all of his success, Royce's greatest enjoyment was his family. His bride, Christine, of 54 years unequivocally and unwaveringly supported Royce in all of his ventures - including traveling to all 4 corners of the globe and everywhere in between, a passion that they passed down to their children and grandchildren. He inspired his children to work hard, pursue their dreams, and instilled in them financial responsibility and community stewardship. While Royce was an avid philatelist, gardener, scuba diver, and expert marksman, he may be best remembered for his all-encompassing hugs, ability to entertain through his voracious appetite for storytelling and being resolutely patriotic. Royce is survived by his wife, Christine; son, Paul Watson (Kimberly Irvine) of Staunton, VA; daughters, Gayle Carnes (Michael) of Matthews, NC and Jeanne Tucker (John) of Salisbury, NC; two grandsons, Kyle Watson (Leandra Boreman) and Zachary Tucker; and granddaughter Kayla Tucker. Visitation will be Sunday, February 10, 2019, 12 noon to 1 p.m. at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD followed by a 2:30 p.m. Celebration of Life Ceremony at the Lutheran Church of St. Andrew, 15300 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 3551 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140. Visitation will be Sunday, February 10, 2019, 12 noon to 1 p.m. at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD followed by a 2:30 p.m. Celebration of Life Ceremony at the Lutheran Church of St. Andrew, 15300 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, 3551 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140.
