William Massey Watts

Born on May 12, 1942, in Montgomery, Alabama, Bill lived a life marked by devotion to his wife and family as well as those around him. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Earnest Watts and Julia Catherine Watts, and by his brothers, George “Bud” Earnest Watts Jr. and John Michael Watts. Bill graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1960 where he met his lifelong sweetheart Norma Jo Tew, whom he married in 1961. Bill later graduated from the University of Alabama in 1968. Bill began his career working alongside his family in construction businesses before launching a retail fireplace business in Montgomery. Over time, he became known for his craftsmanship and expertise in building luxury homes on Lake Martin. His keen eye for detail and dedication to quality earned him a reputation as a trusted and sought-after builder. In 2012, Bill and Norma retired in Birmingham to spend time with their children and grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Norma Tew Watts, and his brother, Theodore Benjamin (Ted) Watts, Sr. (Frances). He leaves behind his children: William “BJ” Massey Watts, Jr., (Darlene), Gregory Alan Watts (Lynn), Thomas Eric Watts (Penni), and Russell David Watts (Ashley). He was a proud grandfather to Leigh Ann Secord (Jeremy), William “Tripp” Watts, III (Jordan), Anna Stonicher (Benson), Ethan Watts (Natalie), Austin Watts (Kelsey), Thomas Watts (Natalie), Brooke Glover (Kyle), Mary Christine Watts, Davis Watts, David Watts, Lindsey Renfroe (Dylan), and Massey Watts, as well as seven great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by extended family members and many dear friends.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Bill’s life at Leak Memory Funeral Home on May 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill’s memory to Panama Missions – Health Clinic, P.O. Box 451, Hope Hull, Alabama 36043, or by visiting panamamissions.net. Bill visited Panama on multiple occasions to help build a medical clinic. Bill will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the love, kindness, and strength he shared so generously with others.