/fit-in/200x300/filters:fill(white)/prod/554/344450/drwatfordcover.png)
Obituary For Dr. Eric Leon Watford
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.
Send flowers to the service of Dr. Eric Leon Watford
Photos & Video
Condolences & Tributes
Add A Condolence
Robert Glover sent America the Beautiful for Dr. Eric Leon Watford - March 17, 2023
To a gifted colleague, with my most heartfelt sympathy to the family. Robert V. Glover, Jr., MD
Oh my Goodness, what a loss to this world. Eric was Superman. Sadly, I lost Dale & knew all the Watford thru Dale & Gary. I was welcomed in their lives, home & studio as family. Incredible people. He like all Watford was brilliant &. had such a lovely partner. Regret had no knowledge of proximity or I would have reached out. RIP ERIC
I met Eric the summer of 1972 when I was visiting from Mississippi. We were only teenagers, but I was impressed with how smart and charismatic he appeared to be. He played in a band, and I went to see him play at the reservoir that summer. Many years later, we reconnected as friends on facebook. He told me about his beautiful family and what everyone was doing in their life. He crossed my mind today, and I decided to check out his Facebook page. I was sad to learn that he had passed in March of this year. Eric was someone who would leave a lasting impression on you. He sure left one on me. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. May you rest in peace, Eric, among the stars.
Beverly Carter
Eric, you'll always hold a very special place in my heart as does your entire family! Great memories, life experiences, and so much laughter. Your memory and legacy will leave on through all the people you touched. Heartfelt sympathy to Eric's children and grandchildren.
I will always love you, dad. - Erica
You were always the most smart, funniest, most fun, and the coolest dad!!! You probably didn't know it, but I bragged about you a lot. I don't think there was anything you really couldn't do. I always tell people how you helped me break the fire stick lol, cook the best seafood, math short cuts, and how you graduated med school in more than record time. I also told you and other people how you started sounding a little like Terrance Howard lol. Now you can rest and be happy and complete until we all meet again. I love you so much! Eric The Great!!! As you loved to say lol! -Ry'n
Eric, I am pained at the lost opportunities never to be experienced. Though there are many memories of our antics shared as we wreaked havoc upon this planet. Keep watch over the posse, and I will certainly join you sometime, somewhere in the future. -Michael
Eric, left too soon and will be missed. Fond memories of you will be held forever. Marstine Watford.
Uncle Eric..I can remember so many things about you. You were there for me several times and I knew I could talk to you in my younger yrs.& your sense of humor was off the chain, It was a true Blessing to have you.🙏🏽 Walter W.
I will always Love you Uncle Eric ❤️❤️❤️
Until we meet again 🕊️
Sincerely
Arlun Watford
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Take your rest Uncle Eric. You are loved dearly and will be missed tremendously.
I can attest to what was said in the obituary. A true scientist, and teacher. I learned from him!!! Robert V Glover, MD
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
