Dennis M. Watford

Dennis M. Watford, 58, died at his home in Niceville, Florida with his devoted family by his side. His two year battle with renal cancer ended July 18, 2007.
He is survived by his wife of thirty-six years, Jo Ellen Good Watford, who enjoyed every moment with him; his daughter, Jodie, who will always be his pride and joy; his mother-in-law, Bitsy Good Hatch, of Madison; and his three brothers and their wives, who all shared a strong bond: Doug, Neil, and Roger Watford, from Cheyenne, Wyo., Etiwanda, Calif., and Mt. Baldy, Calif., respectively. In addition, he is survived by nephews Ryan, Matt, and Alex and nieces Anya and Missy, as well as his brother- and sister-in-law, Jerry and Frances Good, of Hattiesburg.
Dennis was preceded in death by his mother, Judy Mae, and father, Max Douglas Watford.
Born in New Orleans, La., Dennis spent most of his childhood in Metairie, La., before moving to southern California. He graduated from high school in Alta Loma, Calif., where he was a star athlete in football and track. He was awarded a football scholarship to Brigham Young University where he graduated in 1972.
Dennis worked as a Human Resources executive most of his life, for Olin Corporation in Baltimore, Md., and First Mississippi Corp., and Tritel Corp. of Jackson. For the past five years, he owned and operated his own business, BEST instruments, LLC, a distributor of employee training materials.
He kept his outside commitments to a minimum in order to give his full attention to family and friends. He loved home life and was fearless in the face of any construction project. He enjoyed an active lifestyle, which included tennis, weight-lifting, rock-climbing, boating, kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, and diving. He loved antique cars, movies, adventurous family vacations, and nightly card games with friends and family.
Dennis exemplified God in each of his daily activities. He was a loving father, husband, and friend, and was greatly loved in return. His memory will be a shining example of living life to its fullest and he will remain in our hearts forever.
No services are planned at this time, however, we will let all family and friends know when a service is scheduled.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718
You can view a memorial to Dennis, sign his guestbook and send your condolences to his family at www.heritagegardensfuneralhome.com
Arrangements have been entrusted to Heritage Gardens Funeral Home of Niceville.