Georgia-2009-HR1169-Introduced

By: Representatives Murphy of the 120th, Sims of the 119th, Howard of the 121st, Anderson of the 117th, and Smith of the 122nd

Recognizing and honoring Dr. Walter Gamewell "Curly" Watson and inviting him to appear before the House of Representatives; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, Dr. Walter Gamewell "Curly" Watson was born on February 25, 1910, in Trenton, South Carolina, and has dedicated 65 years to the practice of medicine and improving the lives of his fellow man; and

WHEREAS, as a young man, he milked cows, plowed fields, and studied agriculture under South Carolina statesman Strom Thurmond; and

WHEREAS, at the age of 22 he became principal and football coach at Edgefield High School, working as an educator for seven years and saving money to attend medical school; and

WHEREAS, board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Watson earned a bachelor's degree from The Citadel and a medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed his internship and residency with University Hospital-Augusta; and

WHEREAS, he served as a guardian of this nation's freedom and liberty with the United States Army as a physician from 1945 to 1947; and

WHEREAS, after his years of selfless sacrifice defending democracy, Dr. Watson returned to Augusta, where he joined the medical practice of J.W. Thurmond, M.D.; and

WHEREAS, still seeing patients as he turns 100 years old, Dr. Watson has practiced at University Hospital for over 60 years and delivered over 15,000 babies; and

WHEREAS, in honor of his tireless and dedicated commitment to the practice of medicine and the City of Augusta, University Hospital-Augusta dedicated its women's center as the W.G. Watson, M.D. Women's Center in 1999; and

WHEREAS, currently the Chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology at University Hospital, Dr. Watson stands as the oldest living graduate of The Citadel and the oldest known working physician in the United States; and

WHEREAS, he is united in love and marriage to his adoring wife, Audrey, and he has been blessed with four daughters and one son; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of his contributions to the field of medicine and his community, it is abundantly fitting and proper for this body to honor the extraordinary commitment and accomplishments of this outstanding individual on this very special occasion in his life.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body commend Dr. Walter Gamewell "Curly" Watson for his years of dedicated service, congratulate him upon the grand occasion of his 100th birthday, and extend to him sincere best wishes for the future.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Dr. Walter Gamewell "Curly" Watson is hereby invited to appear before the House of Representatives at a date and time to be fixed by the Speaker of the House for purposes of being recognized by the House and receiving an appropriate copy of this resolution.