Richard Gregory Watts, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend died unexpectedly at home on December 23, 2021. Greg is survived by Marian Diemert Watts, his wife of forty-four years, son Thomas Heath Watts and godchildren Louise Groen Robitaille and Lynn Groen Benefield. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna Hooge Watts and John T. Watts Jr.
Born on October 6, 1954, Greg was the youngest of five children. He grew up in Mobile, AL, with his sisters Joanne Watts Maceluch (Bob) and Frances Watts Bosca (Tato, deceased) as well as brothers John T. Watts III and T. Michael Watts (Theresa). Greg is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was one of thirty-three first cousins.
Greg was the valedictorian of the McGill Institute Class of 1972. In 1976, he received his bachelors’ degree from the University of Notre Dame. He attended the University of Alabama School of Law, graduating in 1979. He received an LLM in Taxation from Emory University School of Law.
Upon graduation, Greg returned to Mobile and practiced law for forty-two years, principally as a partner at Johnstone Adams, LLC. Throughout his legal career, he served on the boards of many civic organizations including the Mobile Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. He was a member of several mystic societies as well as a parishioner of St. Matthew Catholic Church. Greg served the Catholic Archdiocese of Mobile as the first president of The Catholic Foundation. He stepped down from that role and became a member of the Archdiocesan Finance Council.
Visitation will be from 8:30 to 10:30 AM at the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception followed by the celebration of Mass at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, December 29, 2021. Greg will be interred at Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice in Greg’s name.
