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ROBERT WATTS Obituary
FRANKLIN
DELANO 'BOBBY'
WATTS, 83
LAKELAND - Robert Franklin Delano 'Bobby' Watts, 83, died May 3, 2018. Bobby was born in Miami, FL on Jan. 27, 1935.
With the exception of a brief stint in the Navy, Bobby spent his entire life in Florida, working for the railroad, owning a gym and auto parts stores. For 43 years he was the very proud owner of the Bobby Watts Speed Shop. One of his first jobs was with 'Big Daddy, Don Garlits' the 'King of Drag Racing.'
Over his entire life he never missed a day of work except when he was in the hospital.
An avid drag racer as a young man, and harmonica player in his later years, he found happiness in his racing and music, and strength from his Savior Jesus Christ.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Loring M. Watts, Sr. and Iola 'Mary' Whitlock Watts Wood, his brother Loring M. 'Mickey' Watts, Jr. and his sisters Jessie Mattair and Janie Barnett.
Bobby is survived by his wife, Anne Watts and his son, Gordon Watts.
A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on Sat., May 12 at the Fellowship Church Assembly of God, 4405 N. Galloway Rd, Lakeland.
Condolences to the family may be given at www.gentry-morrison. com .
In lieu of flowers, please follow Bobby's example and give to someone in need.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT WATTS
Timothy W Broughton
April 15, 2022
Worked for Mr. Watts at the Orlando Store, Bobby was a Very nice man. Robert Anderson was the store manager in Orlando who had previously worked for "Big Daddy" Don Garlits. Thank You Mr. Watts for your dedication to racing ...
Michael S Carroll
January 27, 2022
so sad to hear Bobby has passed .i used to go up there alot in the 90s to the 2012 .i called him a stackologist...very fondly.i believe he got a kick out of that .he always amazed me with his filing system on top of bar stools.id ask him if he had a part for my old olds and he would slip a catalog out of a pile of mags and catalogs higher than his head like a magician pulling a table cloth off a table ! a magic trick every time it was the book we needed thats how i started calling him stackologist .we would talk about burning rubber and life and old times and Jesus. HE WAS A GREAT GUY
DAVID DUNCAN
May 5, 2019
I first met Bobby when he was selling parts out of his house in Plant City and he was working for the railroad I was just a kid but he taught me everything I know about cars he was always there for me and we worked out together at his gym he took over for me as a father figure and I loved him so much and I told him so and I miss him and look forward to seeing him in heaven.
March 13, 2019
I am from Ontario Canada and remember Bobby Watts and had purchased car parts from him over the years . I dropped by yesterday to his shop to learn he had passed away . It is sad that he is not here as he was a great friend and I will miss him and his humor or sure but it has been a pleasure to have known him for all these years
Bill Hall and family from Ontario
Rich Cadwalader
December 17, 2018
I grew up in Auburndale in the 90s...Bobby was so nice to me and my group of gear-heads...we always had a million questions and were always putting junkers together trying to make them go fast. Bobby was kind and patient enough to help us young knuckleheads figure how to get those rust buckets running properly. God speed, Bobby!
Rick Langford
May 16, 2018
God Speed, Bobby Watts.
Derrick Baker
May 15, 2018
Bobby was a good freind enjoyed going in the store and talking with him and enjoyed doing buisiness with him a very knowledgible man when it came to automotive parts and engines. Bobby was a christian man who enjoyed gospel music and was very talented at playing the harmonica. Bobby you will truly be missed .
David Duncan
May 14, 2018
Bobby Watts was like a father to me for 46 years he was my best friend my mentor and the most honest humble and gracious human being I have ever met he taught me almost every thing I know about racing and life he was my example of how to be. I will surely miss him all the days of my life and I know he is with our father in heaven.
Keith Putnall
May 11, 2018
Bobby was the most kind and generous man I have ever known. He was one of my best friends, and will be missed greatly. My condolences to his family. Rest in Peace Bobby.
Theresa T Harrison
May 11, 2018
You can judge the measure of a man by the love and respect he creates in others. Although I only saw him occasionally during childhood visits to Plant City, I knew Bobby through the eyes and heart of his devoted and loving Brother and my Uncle Mickey. Reunited again I am sure they are pumping iron and talking rods and gears tonight.
Theresa T Harrison, daughter of Louise Paul and niece of Mickey and Mary Lee Paul Watts
WAYNE EDWARDS
May 10, 2018
Super nice Man, was a friend and also did some Racing Talk...R.I.P.
Bobby Watts Speed Shop - Plant City
Gregory Koss
May 10, 2018
Wonderful man affording so many... kindness, loving care, generousity, kind and timely discipline, knowledge, humor, music and wisdom.
See you in the Lords House my dear friend.
Dwayne Meares
May 10, 2018
Rest In Peace Bobby.
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