He was preceded in death by his parents, McFarlan and Evelyn Watts and his brother, Steve Watts. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Mary (Frankie) Powell Watts; his son, Todd Watts (Catherine); and his daughter, Danielle Watts Cole (Brad). He will be missed greatly by his grandchildren: Cade, Payne, and Ella Watts, and Garrett and Mackenzie Cole.
Rick was born and raised in Bay Minette, Alabama. Following his graduation from high school, he served for two years during the Vietnam War. Following his service, he obtained a degree from Troy University where his son followed in his footsteps and where two of his grandchildren are currently attending. He dedicated more than 35 years of his life to a career with Alabama Power where he brought home many a story and made dear lifelong friends.
He loved life and experienced it to the fullest, whether it was jumping out of an airplane, driving a racecar at Talladega, or jumping from the Royal Gorge Suspension Bridge in Colorado. When not chasing an adrenaline rush, Rick loved to spend time with family, both immediate and extended. He enjoyed getting family together whether it was on a Saturday to watch Alabama football (all the while loving his Auburn family) or for a fun weekend on the lake. He could always be found supporting grandkids in extracurricular activities (sometimes a little too passionately). An avid traveler, he loved seeing the country from the seat of his Gold Wing with his favorite riding partner Frankie as they explored with family and friends. He particularly loved mastering the Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap. Two things he looked forward to every year were trips to Tibbie with “the boys” and the annual family vacation with the grandkids.
To say he will be missed is an understatement. For those who knew him, you know he was larger than life and will be missed every day. While we don’t know where we go from here, he will be foremost in our hearts as we move forward as a family with God’s help.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2020, from 9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. and a Celebration of Life Service from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Alabama Heritage Cemetery in Montgomery with Dr. Matt Andress officiating. It will be held outside. Since we will be outside in August in Alabama we want everyone to dress casually (shorts would be acceptable) and bring a lawn chair so you won’t have to stand. Hopefully the weather will cooperate. You may even want to bring an umbrella. Of course, masks will be required, as well as social distancing.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) in honor of his military service.
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