BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE AUTAUGA NEWS
Memorial service arrangements have been announced for Fred Watts, a former Millbrook resident, who passed away Sept. 1 in Gulf Shores. Mr. Watts had a long history of service to both his country in the Air Force, and his community of Millbrook. See arrangements and more information below as well to a link for an article we ran upon learning of his death.
We received this email below from Art Elsner, the former City Attorney for Millbrook who remembers his friend fondly.
From Art Elsner
Former Millbrook City Attorney
Former Millbrook City Clerk/Treasurer
I just learned of the passing of former City Council Member Fred Watts. What can I possibly say about Mr. Watts? Professionally he was the President Pro Tem of the City Council of Millbrook. That’s just a stuffy way to say he was the head of our five-member City Council. Next to the Mayor, this is a key position in any city administration. In my nearly 20 years of service to the City I can say with certainty there was none better suited for this job than Fred Watts.
I could go on and on about his intelligence, his common sense and his ability to lead; but, the unqualified success of our City speaks volumes for him. He, along with our Mayor, provided the right guidance and made decisions that led Millbrook to the success we currently enjoy. It also gave us the foundation needed for our future. We were blessed to have him.
Aside from being an ultimate professional, Fred was a great guy. Always quick to help a friend, you could consistently rely on his word. He was a great listener and a darn good story teller. Just a good ole guy.
It is absolutely necessary to mention a prominent part of his life before his Millbrook days. He retired as a Colonel from the U. S. Army, which included combat service in Viet Nam. So, while we honor him here in Millbrook, our entire country owes him a debt of gratitude.
Rest in Peace my dear friend.
Link to article remembering Fred Watts from the EAN – https://elmoreautauganews.com/2021/09/01/former-millbrook-council-president-fred-watts-remembered-for-service-to-country-and-community/
Obituary for Freddy J Watts
Freddy Joe Watts, 73
September 3, 1947 – September 1, 2021
Memorial Service for Freddy Joe Watts, 73, of Gulf Shores will be Saturday, September 11, 2021 at 2:00pm at Gulf Shores United Methodist Church with Pastor Rusty Hutson officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service. Mr. Watts passed away on September 1, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Marilyn Watts; daughters, Stephanie Horton, and Renee Strength; One son, Britt Ballenger; Grandchildren, Hannah Fowler (Charlie), Abbie Tate (Austin), Ian Ballenger, Emma Strength, and Athina Bella Ballenger; Great Grandchildren, Enslie and Lawson Fowler, and Adleigh Tate, and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Watts is a graduate of Crossville High School, Class of 1965. He graduated with a bachelors degree from Troy University. Mr. Watts proudly served his country as a Lt. Col. In the US Army and retired in 1997. He served on the Millbrook City Council in Millbrook, AL. from 2000-2016 and served as President of the Millbrook City Council from 2008-2016 until he retired.
Mr. Watts is a member of Gulf Shores United Methodist Church. He enjoyed boating and fishing, golfing, traveling with his wife, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Mr. Watts was a dedicated public servant. His service to his country and community and dedication to his family will be truly missed.
Mr. Watts is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Wallace and Nell Watts; Brothers, Ronnie Watts, Mike Watts, and infant Edward Watts. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Community Hospice and to nurses Brooke, Angie, and Brittany. – “In the path of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death.” – Proverbs 12:28
For more information, to leave a remembrance or send flowers, visit the link at https://www.casonfuneralservice.com/obituaries/Freddy-Watts/?fbclid=IwAR21ODfsuWe_oO6DFz-w_H97F3aQcdzxDkJ25ZTwVZfSfpua0wQueZJgDew#!/Obituary
