NICHOLAS WATTS

1987 - 2021

Nicholas Ogden Watts
December 16, 1987 - February 10, 2021

OKLAHOMA CITY
Nicholas Ogden Watts, known to all as the warm, affable, and widely loved "Nick," passed away on February 10, 2021, peacefully in his home of natural causes. He was enjoying his last year of law school at OU. In his unfairly short life, Nick was able to accomplish more than most do in a lifetime. Nick started out as a precocious, extremely handsome young child. He was always the ever-guiding mentor to his younger brother and best friend, Weston. In addition to his remarkable good nature, Nick will forever be remembered for his many accomplishments as a debater. Nick won the 6A Oklahoma debate championship high school at, under his coach and dear friend, Bryan Gaston. After receiving a scholarship and debating for a year at Wake Forest University, Nick was drawn back home to the University of Oklahoma to debate for his soon-to-be mentor, Jackie Massie, and his new incredible debate partner (and ultimately closest friend in college), RJ Giglio. At OU, Nick and RJ went on to tremendous success, winning several tournaments, including significantly two CEDA National Debate Tournaments for our OU Debate family. Of the hundreds of debaters, Nick was awarded Top Speaker at his last national championship tournament. However, consistent with his trademark humility, he was proud but never boasted. Needless to say, the whole community of debaters was exceptionally proud of Nick. Following debate, Nick went on to coach at numerous debate camps, had the unique honor of coaching debate at Harvard University, and ultimately spread debate for three years in both Korea and China. That was not an easy thing to do but his commitment was to his students and his craft. Since his passing, the messages from his students have been inspiring. Despite his numerous significant accomplishments, his friends and family will most reflect upon Nick's profound kindness, intelligence, and empathic connection to others. Nick was always available, always extremely loyal, and loved more deeply than any person. His commitment to his family was unwavering. Nick was at once both a momma's boy and a daddy's boy. He was absolutely loved by all who had the privilege of meeting him. Over the last two years, Nick suffered from a debilitating condition called Guillain-Barré syndrome. This disease is very rare but had a devastating impact on Nick's life. Nick's family is committed to furthering research about rehabilitative opportunities that must be provided to those with Nick's condition who continue to suffer. Nick is survived by his incredible mother and father, Beverley and Philip Watts; and his brother and sister-in-law, Weston and Maggie Watts. He is further survived by two uncles, Kenny Watts and Gary Quarles; aunt, Shantay Watts; cousins, Stacy, Cassie, Trey, and Nathan; and Stacy's children, Cameron and Adison. The Watts family is proud to announce the Nick Watts Debate Foundation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests checks to support this foundation via mail to the Nick Watts Debate Foundation, Attn: Weston Watts, 809 NW 36th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73118; your support is greatly appreciated. The family is planning private ceremonies to celebrate Nick's life. Please visit www.vondelsmithmortuary.com to share a memory with the family.