[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 1 (Tuesday, January 27, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S61]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO DR. WALTER GAMEWELL ``CURLY'' WATSON

 Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the exemplary career and extraordinary life of one of South Carolina's 
most beloved citizens: Dr. Walter Gamewell ``Curly" Watson.
  Dr. Watson, who will turn 88 in February, was born in Trenton, South 
Carolina, on the same farm he owns today. He graduated from The Citadel 
college during the height of the Great Depression. Although he earned 
the highest grade point average in his class, he was--like so many of 
us during that time--unable to find work. So in order to earn money for 
medical school, he taught math and coached football at high schools in 
Edgefield, South Carolina, and Bainbridge, Georgia, for the following 
seven years.
  Finally, in 1939, he was able to enter medical school; and in 1943, 
he graduated from the Medical College of Georgia. After interning and 
completing his residency at University Hospital in Augusta, Dr. Watson 
served two years as an Army physician in Korea and the Philippines.
  Before shipping out, Dr. Watson married Audrey Bazemore, a University 
Hospital nurse whom he met during his residency. Today, the two remain 
devoted to one another.
  In fact, it was only at Audrey's insistence that Walter agreed to 
allow University Hospital to bear his name. He is notorious for 
avoiding attention and eschewing praise. Indeed, Dr. Watson's life and 
career are marked by his humility.
  Dr. Watson began his private practice 50 years ago, joining the 
practice established by Senator Strom Thurmond's late brother J. W. 
While delivering over 50 babies a month for most of the past 50 years, 
Watson also found time to serve his hospital, church, and community. He 
led Grace Methodist Church's efforts to build two new sanctuaries, as 
well as its relief mission for the victims of Hurricane Hugo. And for 
over 40 years, Watson has served as the team physician for North 
Augusta High School.
  Walter Watson also has received numerous accolades from his peers in 
the medical profession. Among other honors, he was named Professor 
Emeritus of obstetrics and gynecology at the Medical College of 
Georgia. And the hundreds of letters he has received over the years 
from friends, colleagues, and patients are testament to his unsurpassed 
bedside manner and deft human touch.
  Perhaps greatest among Watson's accomplishments is his success as a 
family man. He raised five children, all of whom have grown up to be 
well-respected members of their community. All four of his daughters 
became nurses; they received their first training from their father.
  Today, Mr. President, the University of Georgia Hospital names its 
Women's Center in Dr. Watson's honor. I can think of no more fitting 
tribute to this man who has given much to his community while asking 
nothing in return. At a time when many speak of the need to foster 
volunteerism, Dr. Walter Watson's life serves as a lesson in humility, 
faith, commitment, professionalism, and service. Beloved teacher, 
healer, father, and husband: Walter Watson is an inspiration to us 
all.

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