Aiken County's circle of centenarians added an extra-prominent member last Thursday, through the birthday of Dr. W.G. "Curly" Watson, amid several days of festivities loaded with family and friends.

Watson was the toast of a massive birthday party held on the grounds of University Hospital, with a variety of speakers helping tell the tale of a Ridge Spring native who has delivered more than 15,000 babies as part of his decades of medical practice.

A tent, packed from side to side and wall to wall, held the gathering. Watson and his wife, Audrey, were the guests of honor and were on stage for a series of presentations by speakers from around the CSRA and beyond. The audience was loaded with doctors, nurses, hospital administrators and other staff members, neighbors, friends and family.

"We all know there is one person in this room who does not want to be here," said North Augusta Mayor Lark Jones, triggering a wave of laughter with his acknowledgment that Watson is not particularly fond of the limelight and prefers simply to make the rounds, checking on his patients.

Jones added, "The subject of Dr. Watson came up in North Augusta recently, and somebody said, 'Well, he's 100 years old and he still goes to work and practices every day ... Well, how does he get to the hospital?'

"I said, 'I can tell you how he gets to the hospital because every morning about 6:30, when I walk to the top of my driveway to pick up my newspaper, he drives by.'"

Putting things into perspective, the mayor pointed out that North Augusta's 100th anniversary was in 2006, meaning that Watson is only a few years younger than the town where he and his wife have lived since May 1947.

Many of Thursday's party guests wore stickers with logos announcing either "I Was Born a Watson Baby" or "My Child is a Watson Baby," confirming that the veteran physician was there on duty for a huge moment in family history. Some people bore both types of stickers.

The Rev. John Younginer, one of Watson's former ministers at Grace United Methodist Church, was among those expressing thanks for the longtime local resident.

"His presence, support and encouragement meant so much to me as his pastor. You can't know him and not be overwhelmed by the wonderful example he has been for all of us as a physician, a father and a churchman," Younginer observed.