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Dr. Roderick Dewayne Watts

10/04/1964 - 01/27/2025

Obituary For Dr. Roderick Dewayne Watts

Dr. Roderick DeWayne Watts, 60, of Gadsden, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025. Dr. Watts is survived by his wife Gloria Watts & Family. We ask that you keep this family in your hearts and prayers during their time of bereavement.

Dr. Roderick DeWayne Watts, known by most as Wayne, was the youngest son born to Roger and Dr. Roberta Watts in Gadsden, AL. on October 4, 1964. He departed this life peaceably on January 27, 2025.

Dr. Roderick D. Watts was a Certified Natural Health Professional (CNHP). He graduated from Litchfield High School, after which he attended and graduated from Tuskegee University. He also graduated from Trinity School of Natural Health and Loomis Institute of Digestive Health in Madison, Wisconsin.

A few of his memberships and affiliations included The Bethesda Christian Center where he was a member. The Etowah County Dept. of Human Resources as Vice Chair, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Sigma P. Phi Fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. His most treasured affiliation at the time of his passing was serving on the Board of Trustees for Alabama A&M University, not only as a trustee but as President Pro Temopra.

He will be remembered as an exceptional loving son, husband, father, brother and he was a servant of God. He was always expanding his knowledge in many areas and used his knowledge and connections to touch the lives of numerous people. He loved helping and serving others.

He leaves to cherish his memories his loving parents Roger and Roberta Watts, a loving wife Gloria Watts, son Christian Watts and daughter Andrea Jemison; a loving brother Roger Watts, Jr.; Brother in law Robert (Carrie) Jones; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and individuals adopted in love; he also leaves a legacy of devoted friends, which were considered as family.

Public Visitation will take place from 4pm-6pm pm on Friday January 31, 2025, at West Gadsden Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held at 12 Noon on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Antioch Family Life Center.

Eulogist: Rev. Carl Moore

Arrangements under the direction of:

West Gadsden Funeral Home


“Your Bridge Over Troubled Waters”


Condolences & Tributes

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We came to TUSKEGEE with bright minds and big 💕. Wayne was well spoken but so funny. To Roger and the Watts family Ilwe send our love from Vanessa, Terri and Pat. ❤️💛

Patricia Smith

Wayne was such a wonderful and humble person. One of the most inspiring and intelligent beings God created. He would make us laugh and think outside the box at Tuskegee. I'm remembering moments in the band with him and all I can do is smile. God has taken His son home. My sincere condolences 💐. He will be missed

Vanessa Ellison

Gloria, mom and dad words cannot express the demise loss we feel of our dear brothers transition. Wayne, is such an amazing spirit that will live forever in our families life. May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding keep your heart and mind through Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ken and Beverly Porter

Wayne was a great friend. He was very soft spoken and polite. He was upstanding, strong in his convictions, and certainly left a positive mark in the city of Gadsden and in his community. He will certainly be missed but the light he shared will shine forever. My thoughts and prayers are with Gloria, Christian and the entire Watts family.

Benita Harrell Jemison

Benita Harrell Jemison

My prayers and heartfelt condolences are extended to the entire Watts family. Wayne was a friend of mine and I was associated with him by way of the Etowah County Department of Human Resources where I was employed and in earlier years by way of the Gadsden State Technical College where I was also employed. Wayne would frequent the campus because his father was the Director there. He was a soft spoken man who would speak truths and cause one to think seriously about what he said. He was a serious minded man but had a sense of humor as well. His father would always refer to me as daughter and Wayne would say, "Well I guess I should you my big sister". I will forever cherish our friendship although I didn't see or talk to him too often after my retirement. My prayers are fervent for Gloria, Christian and the whole family.

Renita Harrell Davis

I could say a lot about this gentle giant, but most of all he was a humble man with a smile that could brighten any cloudy day...I was saddened when I received the call of his passing. We send our sincerest prayers and condolences to the entire Watts family, friends and other loved ones. Rest Easy Wayne🕊 Enga and ArieyUna Sturns

Enga Sturns

Our Heartfelt prayers goes' out to the Watts family. Me Wyne and Junior Watts grew up on Keeling Road as neighbors at a young age and had plenty of fun as kids. Wyne was a very smart person even at that time and I knew he was going to be successful in life. Love you all. Steve Mcelderry

Steve Mcelderry

My sincere heartfelt condolences to Wayne's parents, wife, children, the family and friends as you mourn the loss of your son, husband, father, loved one.

May our loving Lord comfort and console you.

May you cherish the memories he left in your heart.

To the family and friends, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Extending Deep Sympathy Gwendolyn M. Bonner

Gwendolyn M. Bonner

Gloria, I am heartbroken to see this. I think of you and Wayne often and have thought of dropping by to see you. I have fond memories of Wayne and his excitement and eagerness to start finishing the floors in my house while I was getting the last of our things out. He even offered to help us move so he could get started. I will keep you and your family in my prayers during this difficult time. Jan Elrod

Jan and George Elrod

Wayne was such a kind soul. As a member of Litchfield High School Class of 1982, he was always there to help plan reunions and celebrate everyone's accomplishments. We will all miss you very much. Our prayers to you and your family.

Cathy Davidson Margadonna

As you use to always tell me, now look how the tables have turned...."This is a fine mess you got us in man." I'm the one suppose to be causing chaos, not you. Going to miss you so much Unc. Sending my love to Auntie Gloria and Chris.

Breaunna Lewis

I was stunned in tears to get this news. Wayne was one of the kindest, straightforward, humorous and determined brother I know. My whole heart goes out to his wife and family. Praying continually for your strength and peace in the days, weeks, months and years to come.

Crystal Joy

The Watts family has always been a very close part of our family. Wayne will forever be remembered by our family. Sending our sincere and heartfelt condolences to Gloria, Chris, Mr. & Mrs. Roger Watts and the entire family. We love you all.

Traci & Halle Ford Jackie Hamilton

Traci M. Ford

Our heartfelt prayers are with Gloria, Chris and the entire family. Much love my brother! Until we meet again.

Chris Lewis and Family

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

West Gadsden Funeral Home | Gadsden, AL

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