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Incident
J. Anthony (Tony) Miller owned a grocery store in town. Tony’s brother, Johnny B. Miller, stopped by the store and noticed that Tony was already drinking. He advised his brother to stop drinking, and reminded him that Sheriff Rob Watts had warned him that he was not going to put up with his drinking any longer. Tony was 19 days short of his 41st birthday.
Drew (Chuck) Davis, Jr., 16-years old, worked at Miller’s store and asked for his pay. Davis told Miller he was being shorted twenty-five cents. Miller and Davis got into an argument. Miller grabbed a loaded pistol, and Davis ran into the street. Ed Burleson was the only person in the store and prevented Miller from pursuing Davis.
Constable Noel G. (Node) Thomas, son of a former sheriff, was 78-years old, and was summoned to the store. The constable found the situation calmed down and went outside. He looked back and saw Miller pointing a pistol at him. Constable Thomas drew his pistol and pointed it at Miller. He told Miller he was a constable and Miller lowered his pistol. Thomas went to get Sheriff Watts.
Sheriff Robert Lee (Rob) Watts was 30-days short of his 45th birthday. The sheriff approached Miller’s store on the run, and saw the door was closed. He drew his pistol. Deputy Sheriff Wiley Parker and Constable Thomas followed with pistols drawn. The sheriff rammed the door with his shoulder and broke it open. Watts opened fire as he entered the store. Eight shots rang out in the dark interior of the store. Watts was struck and killed.
Bystanders confiscated Miller’s pistol in the aftermath. Deputy Sheriff Parker ordered Miller to surrender. Miller now had a butcher knife, and told Parker to “go to hell.” Parker shot Miller in the chest, killing him.
R. L. Watts was elected on November 7, 1916 and re-elected on November 5, 1918. He was survived by his wife and five children. He was buried in the City Cemetery in San Augustine. Sheriff Watts had gained statewide attention when Texas Ranger John Dudley White, Sr., was shot and killed on July 12, 1918, attempting to arrest draft evaders in San Augustine County.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sheriff Watts gave the San Augustine County Sheriff's Office 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the San Augustine community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sheriff Watts.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
San Augustine County Sheriff's Office has lost 3 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Robert is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Robert is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Robert is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1919, 5 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 117th heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1919, 212 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 7th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1919, 232 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 6th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Robert was 44. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Robert had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Robert was 44. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Robert was 44. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Robert had served 3 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8.4% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Saturdays: 16.6%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 100% of all 3 deaths at San Augustine County Sheriff's Office. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 22.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
San Augustine County Sheriff's Office has 3 officers remembered here, Robert among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 38-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from San Augustine County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.