Warner Robins, Ga. – Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) joins many in the middle Georgia area in mourning the loss of one of Houston County’s most recognizable and renowned community champions, Roy H. “Sonny” Watson. He passed away early January 9, 2024, at the age of 86.
During his well-lived life, Sonny Watson served in many roles, always with the goal of improving the middle Georgia community. He dedicated his life to service through his involvement with Houston Healthcare, his election to the Georgia House of Representatives, and volunteering as a board member with local civic organizations.
His legacy of impact on CGTC runs deep, starting with his influence in the establishment of the current Warner Robins Campus. During the mid-90s, he was responsible for securing funding for the former Middle Georgia Technical College to establish a campus on Cohen Walker Drive after the institution had outgrown the campus on Corder Road. Watson and other local legislators saw the need for a larger, state-of-the-art campus in the community to increase the ability to serve students through credit education, adult education, and economic development services.
In Spring of 1998, the campus relocated to its current location. After 22 years of service, Watson stepped down from his elected post in 1999.
Since that time, Watson has continued to be a friend and staunch supporter of the College. In its last official vote just before the merger with Central Georgia Technical College in July 2013, the Middle Georgia Technical College Board of Directors voted to name the College’s newly funded Health Sciences building after Watson.
Funding for the building was approved in the 2013 legislative session and construction was completed in 2016. This building stands tall in the community, just as Watson did, and is a fitting tribute to the legacy of support for healthcare and education that he leaves behind.
To further honor Watson and his untiring support and friendship to the College, CGTC established the Roy H. “Sonny” Watson Wellness Complex in 2023. Named in honor of Watson for his dedicated service to Houston Healthcare and support for CGTC, this facility is home to the College’s football and soccer teams and offers a walking track.
Watson and his family attended a dedication ceremony in September of 2023 receiving recognition for the many contributions he has made to the College and the Community. The facility was funded by donations from Houston Healthcare and Atrium Health Navicent.
While the College is deeply saddened by this great loss, it brings solace to remember the long, exceptional legacy left by this community giant. His work left an indelible and long-lasting impact on the middle Georgia region. CGTC will remember and honor the friendship of Watson and his family, including his wife Jeanne, daughter Cynthia Rearden, and grandchildren Jennifer Spence and Joseph Rearden and their families. The College extends sincere condolences to all who knew and loved Sonny Watson.
Sonny Watson and his family members are honored at the inaugural CGTC Football game at the Roy H. “Sonny” Watson Wellness Complex in September 2023. A hand-painted portrait of Watson, painted by Artist Caleb Brown, was unveiled at the ceremony and now hangs in the lobby of Building A on the CGTC Warner Robins campus.
Mr. Watson speaks at the groundbreaking of the Roy H. “Sonny” Watson Health Sciences Building at the CGTC Warner Robins campus in October 2014.
