John C. Watters

John was born in Anniston, Alabama, to Elizabeth Stone Watters and Clark Heaslett Watters, who raised him with a respect for hard work, a sense of genuine kindness and loyalty that would define him and his relationships for the rest of his life. His much loved, only sister, Betty Watters Cater, preceded him in death. John carried her memory with him always.

John attended and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce and Business Administration from the University of Alabama, took a job at the UA Computer Center, and never really left - turning a student position into a decades-long career. In that time, John, ever forward-thinking, made sure to give his alma mater a leg up on potential competitors and got UA to claim the ua.edu domain before Arkansas, Arizona or Alaska. (Roll Tide!) That career culminated in retirement from the very same Computer Center. The University was not just where John worked: it was part of the rhythm of his life. He followed Alabama sports faithfully, without theatrics or volume, just as he did with most things.

The University was, more importantly, where John met Annette: the love of his life and partner in all things. He and Annette shared a rare connection that was built on deep respect, shared purpose, laughter and the quiet understanding that comes from truly knowing one another. They enjoyed attending UA sporting events, traveling, ballroom dancing, and playing Hand and Foot together with friends, among many other shared interests, including their daughter, Allison Watters Harris, who was John’s pride and joy. He delighted in her and supported her unconditionally.

This year, John and Annette celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary, a milestone that reflected not just the length of their marriage but the strength of it. Annette died mere weeks ago and John followed her shortly thereafter, as if his heart knew where it belonged. Those who loved them take comfort in knowing they are together again.

John’s loved ones can also find reassurance in the fact that he retained his dry, perfectly-timed wit and sense of playfulness until the end. (Though, despite his best attempts at comedic distraction, he did not succeed in absconding from his hospital bed despite many attempts.) In his younger years, John loved the thrill of racing motorbikes with friends. That circle, bound together by speed and adventure, eventually traded dirt roads for fairways when golf became their new shared passion. Similarly, John’s long-ago purchase of a beloved pinball machine became emblematic of his knack for infusing his relationships with fun. In more recent years, John and his cherished son-in-law, Ian, worked together to restore it to pristine condition. He deeply enjoyed others’ company and the simple pleasure of a job done right.

It was perhaps his quiet acts of tenderness that most clearly characterized John Clark Watters. He organized and kept bags and bags of hand-collected seashells from his family’s annual summer trips to Gulf Shores by the year. He cherished handmade items as well as Christmas, and he went so far as to take a class on tying giant decorative bows just so their home at Christmas had that extra touch. He loved cats but would also habitually court the neighborhood pets with treats and affection, much to their owners’ amusement.

John’s steadiness, zingy one-liners, gentle presence, and his at-the-ready toolbox will be deeply missed.

John and Annette spent their final nights supported by the amazing care from Hospice of West Alabama. This organization’s support for each of them and their family was an invaluable contribution to quality of life at a critical juncture. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to this incredibly impactful and important non-profit: https://www.hospiceofwestal.com/ways-to-give/contributions/

A funeral service for John will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church (729 Paul W. Bryant Dr., Tuscaloosa, AL 35401) on Saturday, January 3, 2026, with Rev. Penny Ruth Ford officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation at 1 p.m., followed by the service at 2 p.m. Burial will be a private ceremony.