Robert Preston "Bob" Watson

WATSON, Robert Preston (Bob), age 80, passed away surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 10, 2012. Bob was born in Nashville September 20, 1931, the son of Mary Lee Crockett Watson of Nashville and William Taylor Watson, Jr. of Memphis. He was predeceased by a son, David Dudley Watson, and his siblings, Mary Lee Owen, W. Crockett Watson and William Taylor Watson, III.

Bob graduated from Duncan Preparatory School in 1949 where he was student class president his sophomore, junior and senior years. He won the annual declamation contest at his high school graduation. He also graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1953 with a BA degree. While attending Vanderbilt, he was president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, president of the A Capella Choir, and president of The Men’s Glee Club.

During the Korean War, he served in the United States Air Force. After the war, while employed at First National Bank of Atlanta during the 1970s, he graduated from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University. During his banking career, Bob was also an employee of Union Planters Bank in Memphis. After moving with his family back to his hometown, he retired from Third National Bank (Suntrust) in Nashville in 1993. He belonged to First Presbyterian Church, Nashville, where he was a member of the Sanctuary Choir, the Session, and the Men’s Bible Class. Bob was also a member of the Sons of the Revolution.

He is survived by his wife and best friend of 52 years, Amelia Spickard Watson of Nashville; three children, Robert Preston Watson Jr. (Michelle) of Birmingham, AL, Laura Watson Davenport, Jackson, WY, Rebecca Louise Watson and her partner, Elizabeth Poston Carlin, Wilson, WY; grandchildren, Michael Robert Watson, Paul Christopher Watson, Amelia Virginia Davenport and Elizabeth Louise Carlin.

A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Nashville, at 2:00PM March 14, 2012 with visitation at 12 noon in the Cheek House. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 1815 Franklin Road, Alive Hospice, Patterson Street or charity of choice.