Robert "Bobby" O Watson, Jr.

Robert O. “Bobby” Watson, Jr, 81, of Phenix City, AL Passed away on Sunday July 3, 2016 at Gentiva Hospice Inpatient Center. He was with his family when he lost his battle with cancer.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am EDT on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at Vance Memorial Chapel in Phenix City with Rev. M R Hamilton and Rev. Charles Keown officiating.  A private interment will follow at Parkhill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm EDT at Vance Memorial Chapel.

Mr. Watson was born August 23, 1934 in Phenix City, AL, son of the late Robert O. Watson, Sr. and Katie Edwards Watson. Bobby worked at Jay Pontiac, Buick and GMC for over 60 years before retiring. He loved fast cars and enjoyed following various types of racing events.  As a younger man, he drag raced a factory sanctioned Pontiac car and in 2004 was inducted into the Old Drag Racers’ Reunion Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his wife, Clara Jean Watson; children, Kathy Launius(Earl), Tammy Thomas(Ben) and Jim Edwards(Niki); grandchildren, Lindsay Lee Stephens, Brandon Launius(Lauren), Robby Launius, Jamie Thomas Stephens(Travis), Jimmy Thomas, Sloan Carter, Erin Carter, Trent Edwards and Klein Edwards; great-grandchildren, Kinsley Launius and Lakin Launius; sister, Patsy Watson Richardson; brother, James W. “Jim” Watson(Jennifer); several nieces and nephews and extended family.

Flowers will be accepted or donations to the American Cancer Society at https://donate2.cancer.org/index, Gentiva Hospice at http://www.gentivahospicefoundation.org/Donate.asp or to your favorite charity.

Online condolences may be made at vancememorialchapel.net.