Philip Appling Watts

Phil Watts, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away at home on October 29, 2026. He was preceded in death by his father Edgar R. Watts Sr. and his mother Ruth Watts, and brother Edgar R. Watts Jr. He is survived by his wife Carol Watts, children Cecelia Appling Watts, Philip S. Watts (Frances), and Melanie Watts, all of Birmingham, grandchildren William Watts and Jenny Watts, and brother David Watts (Lynn) of Atlanta, as well as a host of nieces and nephews and many friends.

He graduated from Ramsay High School, and from Auburn University with a Mechanical Engineering degree in 1956. He was involved there in ROTC and Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. He later earned his MBA from Samford University.

Phil was in the Army, leaving in 1965 as a Captain in the Reserves. He and his brother Ed then started two successful businesses. The last and longest of his companies was Control and Power, Inc.

He loved his family, Southside Baptist Church, Auburn University, his country, and his dogs. He played handball and tennis. He cycled around the world and loved traveling. He loved the beach, reading, music, and theater. He was heavily involved in his church where he was a lifelong member and he held many positions there including Chairman of Deacons, Trustee and Sunday School teacher. He was a Trustee at the time of his death and he taught Sunday School for many decades, including his last Sunday.

Phil was smart, funny, hard working, a wonderful caregiver and loved his wife, children and grandchildren very much. He will be deeply missed by many.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 3, 2026, from 11:45 to 1:00 at Southside Baptist Church, 1016 19th Street South, Birmingham, Alabama 35205, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 pm. Graveside service will follow the funeral at Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Jimmie Hale Mission/jimmiehalemission.com or One Roof/oneroofonline.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at Ridoutsvalleychapel.com for the Watts family.