John Watts

John Watts, 85, passed away on February 18th, 2024. He married the love of his life of 64 wonderful years, Gertrude, during the spring in Alabama. Together John and Gertrude showed their family the world through John's travels in the military. His career in the military lasted 30 years. Thirty-years of hard work, passion, and dedication to his country. John attended central High School in Mobile Alabama before enlisting in the Army. During his service he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Communication Medal with Silver 4 Loops. He also was merited the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam service medal with 1 silver & 2 bronze Service stars. The NCO Professional Development Ribbon with numeral 5, the Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with numeral 2 Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Badge with Palm Expert Badge (Rifle), and the Legion of Merit & Army Achievement Medal. He also completed the United States Army Sargeant Majors Academy course. After retiring, John enrolled in General Studies at Central Texas College. John also worked for the United States Postal Service as a Rural Mail Carrier for over 10 years. During his retirement, he enjoyed playing cards, going to the casinos in Louisiana and Oklahoma with Gertrude. In his younger years, he enjoyed bowling and dancing but, playing poker remained his favorite thing to do! John absolutely loved Al Green, Lou Rawls and BB King; Al Green was his all-time favorite artist. We will remember him for his smile, his love for friends and music, but most of all for his time served as CSM within the Army... John loved his family and was devoted to them all, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren alike.
John was proceeded in death by his parents Clarence Watts Sr., Carrie Besteda Watts Carter, his beloved brothers; Clarence Watts Jr. (Poochie), Albert Watts Sr. ( Rudy), sister Matteal Watts –Coleman (Mattie), as well as his beloved son Darrell Watts and his forever love, his wife Gertrude Watts.
He is survived by his older daughter Ruthillia Watts Byrd and her husband Kyle Byrd, his younger daughter Johnetta Watts, grandson Kyile Byrd Jr, and his wife Sade; great grandchildren Kylan Byrd, Kaden Byrd & Kalani Byrd.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to a Dementia Foundation of your choice in memory of John Watts.
"If I could live my life all over, I'd do everything the same; the film in my camara would remain the same; there's no way, Lord, to leave this Love Behind".
-Al Green