of Conway, AR
July 18, 1947 - February 26, 2025
G. David Watts was born in Little Rock, AR on July 18, 1947 to Vernon and Ladine Watts and died on February 26, 2025 in Greenbrier, AR. David succumbed to complications from Parkinson's disease after a courageous battle.
David had a thirty-seven-year career in education, retiring from the Arkansas Department of Education. He served as a teacher, coach, principal and school improvement supervisor. His favorite educational role being ''coach''. He married the love of his life and soulmate, Candie Watts, on December 19, 2000, who was lovingly by his side until his departure. He was the father of three daughters and the grandfather of four grandchildren, all who were the light of his life. David loved being on the water with a fishing rod in his hand and the sunrise in his face. He always supported his Chicago Cubs, Dallas Cowboys and AR Razorbacks no matter what the record or the season.
David was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Ladine Watts; a sister, Judith Watts; a brother Dan Watts and son-in-law, David Zahrndt.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife, Candie Watts of Conway; three daughters, Cristi Elizabeth Watts of Waxahachie, TX, Haley Katherine (Stoney) Chumley of Searcy, AR and Emily Brooke Stokes of Sherwood, AR; four grandchildren, Julie Elizabeth Zahrndt of Dallas, TX, Andrew Thomas Zahrndt of Waxahachie, TX and Piper Reece and Presley Grae Chumley of Searcy, AR; one brother, Don (Kim) Watts of Perryville, AR and a host of family and friends.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 2, 2025 with a celebration of life to follow at 3:00 p.m. at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home, Conway, AR.
A special thanks goes to Gentiva Hospice and Seeds of Love for their exceptional care throughout this difficult time.
David was an amazing and very caring man. I don’t remember how many years we’ve known each other and I’ve loved him most of those years. First time we met they were fishing involved. I pray for the family and those who were left behind.
We are very sorry for your loss and will be praying for you and your family.
Rest in peace my good friend. My prayers and condolences to David's family. We grew up together in Bryant and only 2 1/2 blocks between our houses. We went to the same church, played basketball and were on the same summer league baseball team. I'm planning to move back to Arkansas by next year and had planned to visit David. I will get to see you soon enough my friend.
Mrs. Watts was my principal and friend. I met David and saw him at many Mayflower functions. They both attended our wedding reception at our house years ago. They were an awesome couple.
We are praying for you Candie to have strength in this difficult time. But he is at peace. Prayers also for all of your family. He will be missed but will live on in your heart and in your memories!
Michele & Rick Kuykendall
Candie, so sorry for your loss. You and the family are in my thoughts and prayers
I'm so sorry! Praying for you.
Dear Candie, we are so very sorry for your loss! I know you & David had a special love . Praying you find comfort and peace in all your wonderful memories’
I only met him a couple of times but the stories I’ve heard about him make me feel like I knew him. My prayers go out to all that’s involved. May God bless each of you.
So sorry for your families loss!! Prayers for all.
Forever a friend
David was a great man and awesome mentor to so many people. I loved my time around him and would never miss an opportunity to just sit and visit with him about anything and everything. He will be greatly missed but god is good and probably has David teaching someone to fish or play racquetball right now . Take care Candie you have my number reach out if you need anything.