On June 4, 1957, Dr. Eric Leon Watford, the legend, was born to Ola and Alven Watford. Eric was charismatic and had a great sense of humor. He was known for his sharp wit and was never one to shy away from creative storytelling. He was always on a quest for knowledge; even reading encyclopedias for fun. He self-published a number of books, wrote plays, composed music, and played keyboard. As a musician he garnered over 1 million views on his Youtube channel.

Eric grew up in Washington, DC and later Boulder, CO. He was a life-long learner and an exceptionally gifted student. Ever curious, he could spend hours researching anything for the pure joy of knowledge. He was a scientist and an orator who loved the sound of his own voice. He graduated from Jarvis Christian College and went on to earn his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in 1984. After graduation, he trained at Washington University in St. Louis, MO as an internist. In 1986 he was commissioned as a Naval Lieutenant with the United States Public Health Service. Notably, he worked amongst a team of physicians working on a cure for leprosy. Following his time in the military, he worked in private practice as a general practitioner. For the past ten years, he lived in Nashville, TN with his significant other and caregiver, Patricia Myles.

Eric once wrote “Why did God put all the rest of the stars in the sky and leave me as the only one on Earth?”. On March 11, 2023 he joined those stars including his father, Alven Watford; his mother, Ola Bryant Watford; his brothers, Warren Watford and Dale Watford; his sister, Sandra Watford. He leaves to cherish his memory Marstine Robinson Watford; his children: R’yn Robinson-Jones, Damon Watford-Robinson, Dean Watford-Robinson, Alon (Shannon) Watford-Robinson, Evonna Watford, and Erica Watford (Ernestine Blakemore); his 7 grandchildren; his brothers Douglas (Rose) Watford and Gary Watford and a host of other relatives and friends.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Eric’s caregivers: Linda Myles, Ricky Myles, Jerry Woods, and Butch McCoy. Also a special thank you to the medical staff at the VA hospitals in Murfreesboro,TN and Nashville,TN for their dedication and care provided. Family visitation, Sunday March 19,2023, 1-5pm Smith Funeral Home, 706 Monroe Street. Monday March 20,2023 10-12pm Smith Funeral Home.