of Paris, AR
May 11, 1950 - March 26, 2017
Gary Ray Watts, 66, a resident of Paris went to be with the Lord Sunday, March 26, 2017, in Paris.
He was born May 11, 1950, in Paris to the late Solan Marion and Virginia Sue (Burt) Watts. Gary served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. After his military service he retired from Whirlpool as a supervisor where he met his wife Linda (Dearen) Watts. Linda and Gary married on May 26, 1994, in Eureka Springs. He was a member of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Paris. Gary was known for his work with the National Wild Turkey Federation where he served in many capacities including Arkansas State Chapter President from 2005 to 2009 and was the founder of the then Mt. Magazine NWTF Chapter. In 2014 the chapter voted to rename itself the Gary Watts-Mt. Magazine NWTF Chapter in Gary's honor. He also received numerous awards for his hard work and dedication to the NWTF including volunteer of the year, 2015. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by a special aunt, Cora Mae Burt.
Survivors include his wife of 23 years, Linda Watts of Paris; a son, Michael Watts and his wife, Jaycee of Brandon, Florida; a daughter, Heidi Kassaw and her husband, Greg of Russellville; two step-daughters, Susie Callahan of Fort Smith and Jennifer Campbell of Paris; a brother, Larry Watts and his wife, Jo of Paris; two sisters, Linda Reed and her husband, Jim of Lavaca and Marilyn Watts of Lavaca; nine grandchildren, Kaleb, Erin and Jacob Kassaw, all of Russellville, Megan Callahan of Paris, Hayley Ahne of Lavaca; Lauren, Dillion and Shannon Koch of Scranton and Isaiah Campbell and three great grandchildren, Brantlee, Caitlyn and Alyssa.
Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at the Roller Funeral Home in Paris.
The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 30, 2017, at the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Paris with Rev. David Johnson officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the United States Navy Honor Guard will follow in McKendree Cemetery near Subiaco.
Pallbearers will be Richard Carpenter, Harley Hines, Ronnie King, Rob Kopack, Paul Reames and Justin Schluterman.
Members of the Gary Watts-Mt. Magazine NWTF Chapter will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund, 701 North 5th Street, Paris, AR 72855 or the Gary Watts-Mt. Magazine NWTF Chapter.
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17 Condolence(s)
Joann Kemp
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
To the watts Family I Just found out about this last night my heart is sad to know he is gone but even tho he is gone he will never be Forgotton Bob and his war days live on in myself and my children as in my Grandchildren as well as I am sure in your family's as well I love to listen to the Storys they would talk about and so much pride in the service they gave .My Children would set for hours to listen to them and they will be sadden as well our family loved the visit and and connections to our families as well in the past as my father was raised in Paris and knew his father and his mother I am so sorry may God bless each and every one of you hope you all have have began the healing process your friend Joanne Kemp Muskogee , ok
David Cooley
Saturday, April 1, 2017
Linda I am so sorry for your loss!! Gary was a great man & will be missed dearly !! I'm really glad I got to meet & work for gary !! He taught me a lot !!
Jennifer (Hillier) Henson
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Linda I am so very sorry for your loss. I think of you and the girls often, and I am praying for you during this time. Please know that I send my love for you.
Charlie and Shelly Koch
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
So sorry for your loss your in our thoughts and prayers
Wayne and Connie Overstreet
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
A sad day for all . We have known Gary and the Watts family for many years. Gary was a shipmate while we were stationed aboard the submarine tender USS Dixon AS-37 during the Vietnam War. We have many fond memories of Gary and he will surely be missed . Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire family. Sincerely Wayne and Connie
Gaines and Pam Woods
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Linda, your family is in our prayers at this most difficult time .Pam and I were saddened to hear about Gary . He always had a smile on his face and always willing to help others , he will be missed in this world
Sharon Curtis
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
So sorry you guys, you have lost a special person who was a mentor for the kids and a friend to all and a maker of good memories
Donald&Sharon Schneider
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for you&Family.
Kevin and Susan Hibbs
Monday, March 27, 2017
Linda , Kevin and i were so very sad to hear of Gary's passing . You have been in our prayers and we will keep you there...We both wish we were home to come pay our respects...Gary was a wonderful Christian man and Kevin sure loved him ...may God wrap you in his loving arms
Sandy Tebow
Monday, March 27, 2017
So sorry for your loss, Heidi. Our thoughts are with you and the family at this difficult time.
Sophia Underwood
Monday, March 27, 2017
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your families.
Stephen & Dianna Stehle
Monday, March 27, 2017
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time. May God be with you in the days ahead. He will be missed in our neighborhood.
Bobby Butlet
Monday, March 27, 2017
So sorry. Gary was a good friend and neighbor. Will be missed.
Everly Kellar
Monday, March 27, 2017
I am so sad to hear about the loss of your loved one. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by all. God Bless and comfort you and your family.
Ronnie and Kathy King
Monday, March 27, 2017
Sorryfor your loss Gary was a great friend
Tawnya hines
Monday, March 27, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss he was a great man and he will be missed let me know if I can do anything for u love u
James & Lisa Kohler
Monday, March 27, 2017
Linda, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. May GOD comfort you all!