Wade L Watts

Mr. Wade L. Watts, age 67, of Hazlehurst, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Memorial Health Meadows Hospital in Vidalia.

He was born on May 3, 1958, in Baxley, to Jean Creamer Spell and the late Wade “Dub” Watts. A native and lifelong resident of Hazlehurst, Wade was a skilled welder and fabricator who retired from Worth Monument Company. He was also a talented handyman who could fix just about anything. Wade was a devoted family man who found his greatest joy when surrounded by his loved ones—especially when he was cooking or grilling for them. He was well known for his delicious homemade soups and loved his sister Gwen’s cooking. His big heart extended to animals too—he cared deeply for his dogs and happily fed any stray cats or chickens that wandered into his yard.

He never met a stranger and had a gift for making people feel welcome. Wade had a passion for collecting antiques, and is referred to by his family as an “organized hoarder.” He cherished time in his man cave playing pool and cards with friends and enjoyed fishing, turkey shoots, and guns. He loved big, and his warmth, humor, and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Wade is preceded in death by his father, Wade “Dub” Watts; and his sister, Sandra Watts Hayes.

His family includes his wife, Juanita Watts; his mother, Jean Spell; his children, Wendi (Wyman) Edge, Mendi (Michael) Yawn, Lindy Watts (Ryan Wakefield,) Brindy Sellers, Angie Reddish, Lisa (John) Hester, Kristy Horne, and Benny (Alisha) Livingston; his grandchildren, Koby Watts, Joshua (Zoe) Rowland, Jr., Abagail (C.J.) Paul, Sammy Smith, Kennadi Edge, Skye Sellers, Keely Yawn, Ethan Reddish, Sierra (Terrance) Huff, Lily Hester, Gracie (Will) Grimes, Kinsley Horne, Ashton Reddish, Harlee Hester, Kyler Livingston, Kendall Horne, Hayden Padgett, Holden Padgett, Jackson Padgett, Kolten Horne, Myla Livingston, and Preston Register (Pa's Buddy); his great-grandchildren, Issac Yawn, Raelyn Paul, Ava Huff, Adalyn Huff, Alison Huff, Ariya Huff, and Walker Grimes; his sister, Gwen (Jimmy) Snipes; his brother, Willie Watts; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. in the chapel of Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home with Pastors Van McCall and Newly Ray officiating.

A private burial for immediate family will follow on the family’s property.

Active pallbearers will be George Beacher, Miguel Villalobos, Rex Williams, Kasey Sellers, Wade Dykes, and Randy Cannon.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Matt Rentz, David Goodman, Hugh Don Smith, Ryan Wakefield, Michael Yawn, Wyman Edge, CJ Paul, JJ Rowland, Sammy Smith, and Koby Watts.

The family may be reached at the Watts' residence located at 51 John F Road, Hazlehurst, Georgia, 31547.

Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home and the Watts family are in charge of all arrangements.

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