Robert Harmon Watson, Jr. of passed away on 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. 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 UT College of Law in 1970. Robert was a member of the ROTC, 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, he 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, he represented governmental entities, individuals, and physicians. 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. He was board certified in both Civil Pretrial Practice and Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.  He was involved in 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.