Reverend Merlin Eugene Watts of Athens, Alabama went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 25, 2025 while surrounded by his loving family. He was 83.Mr. Watts had proudly served in the United States Navy as an officer on the USS Oglethorpe and then devoted his life to serving the Lord as a pastor for over 30 years. After retirement, he and Beth were members of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Athens, AL.
Mr. Watts was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Elizabeth Ann Watts, and by his siblings, Wanda Baucum and Robert Watts, and by his parents Gene and Bert Watts.
Surviving family members include his son, Timothy Watts; his daughter and son-in-law, Marian & Wesley Hall; his grandchildren: Jackson Hall, Aedyn Hall, Ellaleigh Hall, Cannon Hall, and Lachlan Hall.
There will be a graveside funeral service on Wednesday, April 30th, 3:15pm at Hollywood Cemetery in Wartrace, Tennessee.
Hazel Green Funeral Home is honored to serve.
