Herman “Buck” Watson, Jr.
Class of 1996
Herman “Buck” Watson, Jr.: A Football Standout and Legal Trailblazer
Herman "Buck" Watson, Jr. was a prominent figure in Huntsville, Alabama, known for his remarkable contributions both on and off the football field. Born on August 6, 1933, Watson's life journey was characterized by athletic excellence, legal prowess, and unwavering community service.
Watson began his athletic career at DeKalb County High School, where he was a three-year letterman in football, baseball, and basketball. During his senior year, he earned a spot on the All-County basketball team and was selected for the All-Tri-State Football Team. His exceptional performance led to his participation in the Alabama Football All-Star game in 1951. Following high school, Watson accepted a football scholarship to Vanderbilt University. There, he was a three-year starter for the Commodores, playing as a left tackle on both offense and defense, averaging 56 minutes per game during his junior and senior seasons. His collegiate success culminated in an appearance at the Blue-Gray All-Star game. In 1955, Watson was the first lineman selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL draft. However, due to back surgery, he was unable to compete for the Eagles and subsequently joined the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League. An injury during spring training ultimately led to his retirement from professional football.
After his athletic career, Watson transitioned to coaching, spending three years mentoring young athletes in Lafayette, Alabama. In 1964, he moved to Huntsville, where he embarked on a distinguished legal career. Watson represented clients in both state and federal courts nationwide, earning a reputation as a tireless advocate for justice and the oppressed. He was involved in numerous high-profile cases, particularly in personal injury, criminal defense, and class action lawsuits. His dedication to the legal profession was recognized through his fellowship with both the International Academy of Trial Lawyers and the Alabama Law Foundation. Watson also served as past president of the Huntsville-Madison County Bar Association.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Watson was deeply committed to community service. He served on various boards, including the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and the Access to Justice Commission. His passion for sports remained evident through his involvement with the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, where he contributed to honoring the state's athletic legends. Watson's legacy in Huntsville is also marked by his legal practice, Watson McKinney, LLP, which he co-founded with his daughter, Rebekah Keith McKinney, in 2010. The firm continues to uphold his commitment to justice and community service.
Watson's personal life was rich with family and relationships. He was married to Janet Mangham Watson and was the father of six children: Cornelia Welch Watson, LeeAnna Yarbrough Keith, James Hundley Watson, Rebekah Keith McKinney, Elmer Jacobs Watson, and Jack Watson. His family remembers him not only for his professional accomplishments but also for his role as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Herman "Buck" Watson Jr. passed away on January 26, 2016, at the age of 82. His life remains a testament to dedication, resilience, and service, leaving an enduring impact on the Huntsville community.
This content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, based on original stories written the year of the honoree's induction by Board members and other contributors. While we strive for accuracy and quality, please note that the information provided may not be entirely error-free or up-to-date. Please contact the Hall of Fame with corrections.
