Robert Allen (Al) Watson

Robert Allen “Al” Watson, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed on June 17, 2022, at The Cardinal in Raleigh. Al was born to Robert Allen and Louise Taylor Watson in Greenwood, South Carolina on September 3, 1933.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Dorothy Hanson (James), Doris Watson Tyner and Jean Allen Watson. Al leaves behind his beloved wife and best friend, Doris Marchewka Watson.

He is survived by his three children: Allen Peter and wife Liane (Wertis) of Monroe, North Carolina, Eric Robert of Inlet Beach, Florida, and Jill Carroll of Houston, Texas; and his four grandchildren Jay, Megan, and wife Lyndsey (Takac) Watson, Emily, and Lucy Watson-Cook; and his three great grandchildren: Sean, Jack, and Genevieve “Evey” Watson.

Al graduated from Pinehurst High School in 1951. Having lost his father early in life, Al with the encouragement of his uncle, attended North Carolina State University, graduating in 1955 with a BS in Nuclear Engineering. He then received a MS in Nuclear Physics in 1960 from Union College in Schenectady, NY while working at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory. In 1969, Al accepted a position with Carolina Power and Light (later Progress Energy) in Raleigh, and his home state of North Carolina. In 1993, after 24 years of service with the company, he retired from Progress Energy as Vice President of Nuclear Operations.

During his early years in New York, Al met the love of his life on a fateful and cold NY night helping her with car trouble. This new friend would become his wife and soul mate, companion for life, and his favorite golfing partner. Al was a devoted husband and is deeply cherished by his wife and family. Al had a talent for working with tools as well as designing and building things of his own creation. In addition to constructing his own sailboat, Al designed and built - with his own hands - the family vacation home on the Pamlico Sound near Bath, North Carolina.

Al and Doris shared an active retirement filled with travel, golfing, volunteering, and time spent with family and numerous friends. He enjoyed his over 28-year retirement spending winters in Venice, Florida, and summers in Raleigh, North Carolina. An avid golfer, Al enjoyed playing golf and socializing with friends both at The North Ridge Country Club in Raleigh and The Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Florida. Al was an active member of the Catholic Community of St. Francis of Assisi, in Raleigh. As a father to his three children, he was a constant north star, gentle with his guidance and praise. Al adored his grandchildren and entertained them with horsy rides and funny faces.

His final years were happily spent in Raleigh at The Cardinal at North Hills where he found a welcoming community of friends. The family is grateful to all the staff and associates at The Cardinal, and especially the Care Givers in the Memory Care Facility for their kindness, care, and acts of love and compassion provided to Al, Doris, and all family members during his declining health.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated at 11 AM Saturday, June 25th at St. Francis of Assisi parish in Raleigh, NC. The Rite of Committal and Interment immediately followed the Funeral Mass. The Family hosted a reception celebrating Al’s life at The Cardinal at North Hills at 1 PM Saturday, June 25th, all are invited.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 5171 Glenwood Ave #101, Raleigh, NC 27612, in Al’s memory.

Services by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC, (919) 828-4311.