Rodney William Watts

Rodney William Watts, devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed from this world into the arms of his Lord and Savior on April 10, 2015, in Tallahassee, Florida, surrounded by his loving family. Rodney was born April 9, 1958, in Victoria, Texas, to a close military family who traveled extensively in the Pacific, living in the Philippines and Japan, eventually settling in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. In 1976, Rodney graduated from Fort Walton Beach High School and thereafter attended Fort Walton Beach Vo-Tech School where he learned his trade in business machines. He accepted a position at Advanced Data Systems and moved to Tallahassee, Florida, where he fell in love at first sight with his future wife and soul mate of 38 years, Tallahassee native Mary E. Moser. They were married in 1981, and in 1986 they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Kristin E. “Pocket” Watts, who is her daddy’s pride and joy. After coming to know the Lord, Rodney became a Deacon at First Christian Church in Tallahassee. A successful local businessman, Rodney established Southeast Digital Networks, Inc., in 1991. He was an enthusiastic Seminoles fan, and he particularly enjoyed tailgating, sports, fishing, cooking, and family gatherings. Rodney was preceded in death by: mother-in-law, Gertrude Moser; sister, Marcia Hicks; and father, Ira S. Watts, Jr. He is survived by: his wife, Mary M. Watts; daughter, Kristin E. Watts; mother, Mary V. Watts; brother, Ira S. “Sidney” Watts, III (wife, Melinda); brothers-in-law, John J. W. Moser and Tommy Hicks; sisters-in-law, Lee Ann Moser and Shelia Moser; niece, Virginia Hicks Cochran and husband Drew Cochran; nephew, Jonathan Moser; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and many long-time friends. He will be deeply missed by all. A celebration of Rodney’s life will be held for friends and family on Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at First Christian Church, 1319 High Road, Tallahassee, FL 32301. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. (EST), and services will begin at 11:00 a.m. (EST). Interment will be Friday, April 17, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. (CST), at Beal Memorial Cemetery, 316 N.W. Beal Parkway, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547. Flowers are being accepted or memorial donations may be made to Tri-State Christian Camp, 100 Christian Camp Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32433 (www.tristatecamp.org). The online guestbook is at www.abbeyfh.com.

Rodney William Watts

April 9, 1958 - April 10, 2015