Charles R. Watson

Charles Richard Watson, 78, passed away on October 8, 2025, in Rockford, Illinois. He was born on December 28, 1946, in Charlotte, North Carolina, son to Cecil Paul Watson and Lura Haigwood. Charlie spent his working career as a machinist. He liked to go to Larry’s Garage and shoot the breeze with the other old men. He preferred to stick close to home. He enjoyed listening to old country music especially when challenging his wife to countless games of Rummy. His passion for automobiles came from growing up in the muscle car era. He enjoyed tearing apart motors in order to make them faster and perform better. There was great satisfaction in making something better. He enjoyed watching baseball particularly the Chicago Cubs. He also enjoyed watching Jeopardy with Robin and if one of them guessed the answer that none of the contestants did, they would yell out, “GOT ONE!”. He met his wife Robin 36 years ago and married on October 27, 2001. Granddaughter Kaileigh McCallum liked to hang out with Nana and Papa.

Charlie lived a full life and will be missed by his wife of almost 24 years, Robin. He is also survived by three children and all of their families; his brother, two sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by parents, step-son John P. McCallum, Jr., one daughter, a sister, and a brother.

A special note of thank you to family Sue and Maxine Bailey, Carrie Almond and beloved friends Peg and Rich Wilkosz, Barb Kaeding and Sandy Schroder who stepped in to help Robin care for Charlie through his last few months. Charlie’s wish was to rest and pass peacefully at his home. This was made possible by Serenity Hospice who cared for Charlie, though briefly, in an excellent, compassionate, and thorough fashion. Charlie spent his final hours at home with his loving wife, their bestest boy Buster and sister-in-law.

A time to come together and honor Charlie will take place on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford Illinois 61108. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to be made to the Tommy Corral Memorial Foundation. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com