Roll Call Tribute

Richard "Dick" Sidney Watts
July 25, 1937 - May 10, 2021

Richard “Dick” Sidney Watts, 83, passed away in the early morning hours of Monday, May 10, 2021. He is preceded in death by his parents, Nathaniel William Watts and Annie May Watts and his siblings Betty Ann Wright, Dorothy Watts, Sally Wall, and Bill Watts. Dick is survived by his loving wife Lynda Watts, his son Richard '85 and daughter-in-law Susan Scott Watts '84, his daughter Amy Watts Highland and son-in-law Scott Highland, his granddaughters Sidney '19 and Delaney Watts '21 and Delaney’s fiance Ross Baysinger '21.

Dick was born in Cleburne, Texas on July 25, 1937. In 1960, he proudly graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in Civil Engineering. At Texas A&M, Dick was a member of the Corps of Cadets, B Company Engineers. He also taught and earned a degree in Physics from Sam Houston State University. Dick was a US Army veteran, serving in the Army Map Service in Washington DC as well as a Registered Professional Surveyor. He spent thirty-two years at Brown & Root as Vice President and Professional Engineer overseeing the design and construction of projects around the world. He earned a law degree in 1971 from South Texas College of Law. He enthusiastically served his clients mostly in Harris and Grimes Counties. In 1984, Dick began his ranching business, a lifelong passion. He loved hosting family and friends at Lake Creek Ranch and working on projects at the ranch - with the same family and friends when they would answer his call for help.

Dick was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood, where he served as a deacon, elder and was a charter member of the church. His lifelong faith was deepened in his weekly Bible study, Sunday school, fellowship at the church, and his self-study in God’s word. His devotion to faith and family were obvious to those who knew him. Dick was a member of Cleburne’s Masonic Lodge. His love of bird hunting led him to a long ownership of bird dogs and travels to West Texas. Few could beat Dick at a domino game of 42. Dick was a lifelong learner, always reading and sharing his knowledge with those who knew him. His family is heartbroken over his passing and he will be missed dearly by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The services for Dick will be held Monday, May 17, 2021 at 2 PM at First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood at 5520 Kingwood Dr, Kingwood, TX 77345. The service will begin at 2 in the afternoon with the Reverend Chad Erb officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Class of 1960 Aggie Rings for Veterans program at tx.ag/DickWatts or First Presbyterian Church of Kingwood.