Walter J Watson Jr.

Mr. Walter John Watson, Jr., of Jacksonville, Florida, a local Periodontist, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 29, 2018. A native of Jacksonville, Florida he was born on August 7, 1927, the oldest of two boys of Walter, Sr. and Emma Lou Watson. He grew up in Springfield attended West Springfield School and moved to San Marco in 1939 with his parents and brother. Walter attended Landon Junior-Senior High (7th-11th grades). Transferred to Emory University Academy for the 12th grade and graduated in 1944. Walter then attended college at Oxford a Division of Emory Oxford University in Atlanta for one year until he joined the U.S. Naval Reserve in the spring of 1945. In the Navy, Walter served as a Specialist in Air Traffic Control at NAS Norfolk, VA and was stationed at USNAAS Chincoteague, VA from 1945-1947. Walter obtained 3rd class Petty Officer and upon Honorable Discharge he re-entered Oxford College, at Emory University School of Dentistry. He was active in Sigma Chi Fraternity and Psi Omega Dental Fraternity. He was President of his graduating class in 1951.

Walter began practice as an associate at Dr. C. J. Masters in the St. James Building, Jacksonville, FL in July 1951. He moved to a solo-practice in the same building in June 1955.

Walter married Diane Burdett in June of 1950. In July 1951, their first son, Walter J. Watson, III (Johnny) was born, Lawson Burdett Watson (Buddy) was born in October 1953, Nancy Patricia Watson (Tricia) was born in October 1955, and Diane Elizabeth Watson (Libby) was born in March 1958.

In August 1963, the family moved to Lansdowne, Pennsylvania so that Walter could attend the University of Pennsylvania for graduate training in Periodontology. In July 1964 they moved to Brockton, Massachusetts to become a Fellow in Periodontology at Beth Israel Hospital and Boston University. Walter completed his specialty training in July 1965 and the family moved back to Jacksonville. Upon returning to Jacksonville Walter entered practice with Dr. Frank Scott in the Medical Arts Building in Five Points. In 1966 they built and moved the practice to 2360 Park Street and became known as Drs. Scott, Watson, and Miller.

After their marriage of 22 years, Walter and Diane were divorced in 1972. Walter then married Geraldeen Phillips on October 20, 1973. She is the daughter of Fred William and Ruby Lee Hawkins Phillips, and had two daughters by her first marriage, Karen and Kim.

Walter’s accomplishments, awards and honors are too numerous to list, but indicate his dedication to his profession at the local, state and national levels. He is a Fellow in Periodontology, Beth Israel Hospital, Boston, a Fellow in the American College of Dentists, as well as a Fellow in the International College of Dentists. He served as President of the Florida Society of Periodontitis and the Florida Dental Association. By 1987, he had given lectures at 30 dental societies and seminars. Walter was on the visiting staff for seven Jacksonville Hospitals and was a Clinical Associate Professor/Periodontology at the University of Florida, College of Dentistry. He also been involved in community activities, among them were: Charter member and President of the West Jacksonville Rotary Club; Paul Harris Fellow; honorary Alumnus of the Gator Club of Jacksonville; and a board member of the St. Johns River City Band.

Walter’s genial and kindly personality made him endearing, not only to his family and friends, but also to his patients and professional associates as well. Because of physical impairment following neck surgery in 1987. Dr. Watson retired from the practice of Periodontology in 1988.

Walter was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Whitelaw; son, Johnny; daughter, Tricia; step-sons, Rusty and Russell. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Geraldeen P. Watson; son, Lawson Watson; daughter, Elizabeth “Libby” Watson; step-daughters, Karen Cummins and Kim Fewell; grandchildren, Sarah Fewell (25), Kathleen Fewell (21), and Colby Cummings (16).

Walter is a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 29, 2018 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Jacksonville, Florida. Memorialization was by cremation and his remains will be interred with the love of his life, Gerry.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org in honor of Dr. Walter Watson, Jr.

Arrangements by: Neptune Society-Jacksonville (904) 733-4510.