“If you look up Gentleman in the dictionary, you will see Robert’s picture” S. Norden Dearly and deeply loved, Robert Watts, was called by The Lord Easter Sunday March 31, 2024, Port Charlotte, Fl.

He was a young 64 years. He passed very peacefully with his loving wife by his side. He was such a brave man as he encountered cancer. He was born May 2, 1959, in Fredericksburg, VA to Robert G. Watts, Sr. and Anne Vaughn Watts. His father served in the Navy and retired from Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren, VA. His mother also retired from the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren. His beloved sister, Anne Watts Hart passed away in 2012. Robert married Anne “Kelly” Hooe in 1989 after knowing each other since high school. They were married in Alexandria, VA among their loving families and dear friends. Robert was an excellent father to his step-son (always calling him his son) John Gray Bynum. Their love for each other was undeniable, John Gray always wanted to be like Robert. Robert coached his baseball little league team winning their first-year tournament and was heavily involved with his son’s basketball and football teams. Robert had a lifelong career as Senior Systems Analyst contractor for the Department of the Navy starting in 1990 in Crystal City, VA. Robert supported the same program for 34 years, and he was looking forward to semi-retirement this year. He loved his job and co-workers who became life-long friends. Robert was respected by all who met him. He was such a kindhearted man, always helping others.

Recently he and his wife purchased family property on the Potomac River and renovated the small cottage. He was able to visit and take an active role in the renovation before he passed. His passion for this river project and maintaining his SWFL home gave future dreams, despite the disease and potential consequences. He loved living on the water in SWFL and VA, boating, cooking crabs and grilling for family and friends. He always enjoyed our weekly gatherings with dear friends in SWFL and traveling to VA to visit family and friends was a joy to him. Robert graduated from King George High School in 1977, and attended class reunions. While in high school, he was on the track team, basketball team, and baseball team. His senior year, he was voted Most Popular. His senior superlative stated, “One was not put here to live up to others’ expectations”. After high school, Robert was awarded baseball and basketball scholarships from several colleges and choose basketball at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA. Later he transferred to Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg, VA where he graduated with a BS. Robert loved his home town and never felt this was too far away from his family and friends. He and his wife moved to SWFL in 2007 to assist in the care of his mother. Eventually his care extended to his sister, father, and mother-in-law. He continued his career with the Navy, another passion of his. Robert loved visits from family and friends in SWFL. He will be greatly missed by everyone and touched so many hearts…He was a Blessing. Robert is survived by his wife Kelly Watts, a dear brother-in-law Gregory S. Hooe (Cathy), several nieces and nephews, several cousins, and many dear friends.

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at Roberson Funeral Home, 2151 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33948 on Saturday April 13, 2024 at 2:00 pm. A reception will be held at Wings N Rings following the service. There will be another celebration of Robert’s life in VA and will be announced once arrangements are made. In Lieu of flowers, please donate to Robert’s favorite organization Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or https://t2t.org/donate

Arrangement by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory Port Charlotte Chapel.