Ralph L. Alexander Watts, Jr. (Alec) Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Ralph L. Alexander Watts, Jr. (Alec) was born September 10, 1939 in Memphis, Tennessee and passed away peacefully on January 16, 2021, at home with his loving wife, Renee, by his side. Alec lived in Memphis until his father, who worked for Ford Motor Company, was offered a dealership opportunity in Clarksdale, MS. He graduated from Clarksdale High School in 1957 and then went on to the University of Mississippi where he was a Member of Kappa Sigma fraternity and played French horn, travelling with the band to perform at the 1958 World’s Fair in Brussels, Belgium. He received his BBA in Accounting in 1961. After college, he served in the U.S. Army as a Lieutenant. The majority of his service was spent as Tank Platoon Leader with the 3rd Armored Division in Friedberg, Germany. After returning to the U.S., he moved back to Memphis and began a career in public accounting. In 1966 he joined Winston J. Cannon, CPA and soon became a partner with Cannon, Watts and Company. In 1987, he earned the CFP designation. A member of the AICPA and a life member of the Tennessee Society of CPAs, his career in public accounting and financial planning lasted over 55 years with his commitment to his clients’ wellbeing never waning. Alec was active in United States Junior Chamber and was fortunate to meet Elvis Presley when he was recognized as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of America by the Jaycees in 1970. It was in the Jaycees where Alec developed a passion for softball, which he played well into his sixties. He also enjoyed racquetball, tennis, and despite the frustration inherent to the sport, he was an avid golfer. He was also a sports fan, rarely missing an Ole Miss football or Memphis Tigers basketball game. A devout Christian saved at the age of eight years, Alec was a member of Crossroads Baptist Church in Eads, TN where he helped found the Crossroads Runners, a men’s group dedicated to maintaining focus on Christ. His faith led him to service in prison ministry at the East Arkansas Regional Unit, also known as Brickeys, where he counselled inmates until health issues prevented him from continuing his work there. Although he was unable to travel to Brickeys, he continued to correspond with inmates who stated how much they missed his presence. While he had many interests, his greatest joys came from the time he was able to share with his family. He was married to the love of his life and was a faithful husband and nurturing father. A dedicated “Granddaddy,” he took great pride in his five grandchildren and was tirelessly committed to spoiling the lot. Alec’s persistent love will be missed by all. Alec was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Watts, Sr.; mother, Eva Ruth Watts; sister, Judy Roberts and daughter, Elizabeth Wells. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Renee Wimberly Watts; son, William Watts (Anneliese); daughter, Alecia Watts Clark (Shane); five grandchildren, Trey, Brandon, Alexandra, twins Annabelle and Liza; two great-granddaughters, Joanna and Elizabeth; sister-in-law, Donna Bumgardner, brothers-in-law, Dennis Bumgardner and Wallace Ritter, Jr.; and many nieces and nephews. Due to COVID, there will be a private family service at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Honorary pallbearers are Michael Allen Sr., Dr. John S. Buchignani, Jr., Dennis Bumgardner, Van Gray, Graden Kirksey, Stephen McDaniel, Larry Peebles, Wallace Ritter, Jr., William Walker, Joseph Weller, and Kevin Wright. To view the webcasted service click the following link: http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/46277 In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Foundation or the Memphis Humane Society.

Ralph L. Alexander Watts, Jr. (Alec)

September 10, 1939 - January 16, 2021