Robert C Watson

Robert C. Watson Sr (Bug Watson), 97, of Pensacola, Florida passed away at home peacefully on Saturday March 9, 2024. With a teardrop rolling down his cheek, he gazed lovingly at his grand-granddaughter Tina Atkinson and great-grand grandson Little Watson Atkinson just before he died. He obviously was aware that Tina's husband Derek Atkinson was close by.

Bug was born in Excel, Alabama on December 19, 1926 to Maude and Bob Watson. He has two sisters, Francis Horton and Marian Ruth Rigby. His surviving sister, Francis, lives nearby in Pensacola. Bug married Tommie Louise Stanley in 1948 and they remained together until Tommie passed away in 2015. He has a son and daughter, Bobby and Connie. Connie passed in 2017. Bobby is married to Susan and they reside in Atlanta.

On November 1, 1952, Bug was stationed on the USS Estes near the Pacific Marshall Islands while the Navy detonated the initial thermo-nuclear H-bomb for testing. Even being 100 miles away the blast seared heat through Bug's thick wool peacoat. Despite his exposure to radioactive heat and fallout, Bug never suffered from cancer or health related issues from the exposure.

Bug was intensely family oriented and spent quality time on weekends with his wife and children. He bought a cabin in Alabama on the Tensaw River so he and his family could enjoy nature and bask in meditative moments while fishing. Bug also enjoyed laid back country music, fresh vegetables, fish, shrimp, and barbeque. Bug was active in East Brent Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and treasurer for many years. He worked at Gulf Power Company for the majority of his professional career and retired after 30+ years.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel with a memorial service beginning at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, March 16, 2024. Family and friends are invited to come and share fond memories and stories.

Interment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park.

BAYVIEW FISHER-POU CHAPEL, 3351 Scenic Highway is entrusted with arrangements