Floyd “Jerry” Watts

Floyd “Jerry” Watts, age 87, a resident of Temple, Texas passed away on December 24, 2022, at Baylor Scott & White Hospital. Jerry was born November 29, 1935, in Stamford, Texas to Floyd Jasper Watts and Maude Ellen Cook Watts.  He attended Abilene High School.  Jerry worked as a rancher/farmer for most of his life.

   He began at an early age helping his father on the farm growing various types of crops such as cotton, wheat, and maize. When he planted a garden, it was not a small garden, but one filled with rows and rows of vegetables that needed harvesting and processing.  There was always way too much food for his family so neighbors were invited to come pick fresh vegetables any time.

   For a period of time, he traveled and sold beauty supplies through Armstrong/McCall but the love of farming/ranching was always in his blood and heart.  Jerry farmed and raised cattle in the area surrounding Abilene Texas. 

  He later moved to Thayer Missouri with his wife, Bobbie Jane Watts to raise cattle.  You didn’t want to be in the idiot seat when he was rounding up cattle to feed.  Trying to open and shut a gate while a herd of cattle are running toward the vehicle can be quite daunting.  He raised cattle into his 70’s until he began to have health issues that required him to slow down and return to Texas.

  In his children’s eyes, he was the Man, the Myth, and the Legend!  He ferociously loved and protected his family and sometimes seemed bigger than life but was a quiet man who believed in working hard but enjoyed a joke or two.  When obstacles were placed in his way, he sojourned on never complaining or making excuses.  He was always watchful concerning his family’s well-being. 

  Jerry was married to Bobbie Jane Hooker Watts on August 31, 1986, in Kerrville, Texas; they were married for nine years. 

  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling.  He will be remembered for always being there when family and friends needed him.

  Jerry is preceded in death by his wife, Bobbie Jane Watts; his parents Floyd Jasper Watts and Maude Ellen Cook Watts; and his brother George Willis Watts.    

  Jerry is survived by his children, Lance Watts of Palestine Texas, Juanell Isaac-Brown and her spouse, Glen Brown of Abilene Texas, Terri Cantrell and her spouse Victor Cantrell of Baird Texas; grandchildren, Daniel Watts of Seattle Washington, Elaina Isaac of Abilene Texas, Luke Miller of Abilene Texas, Sarah Terry and husband Toby Terry; and great grandchildren along with other family and friends. 

  Graveside services will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at the Thayer Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 28 from 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Under the directions of Carter Funeral Home in Thayer, Missouri.

  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations/contributions may be given in his honor to: Charcot Marie Tooth Research Foundation CMTRF.org.  

 The family of Floyd Jerry Watts wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the doctors and staff at Baylor Scott & White Hospital.