Thomas Elvin Watts, 80, a resident of the Pine community, passed away early Tuesday morning, Sept. 17, 2019, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was a longtime truck driver, both locally and cross-country. Tom was a very kind person, that “never met a stranger” as he loved to visit with all the people he met. He loved spending time in the outdoors looking at the beautiful trees and often walking through the fields near his home. He loved the wildlife as well, and would sometimes bring home small wild animals that he found to nurture them and raise them as pets. Tom loved his family first and foremost and cherished the time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Earlene Miley Watts of Pine; three sons and daughters-in-law, Billy and Glenna Anderson of Bogalusa, Robert and Kim Watts of Columbia, Miss., and Tommy Lee Watts of Pine; daughter and son-in-law, Peggy Lynn Watts and Thorn Musser of Olathe, Kan.; grandchildren, Elvin Blake Booty, Chase Anderson, Bravin Musser, Talia Musser, Bralynn Musser, Courtney Musser and Summer Watts; great-grandson, Blake KaDerryon H. Booty; great-granddaughter, Nautyka Ali H. Booty; sister, Sue Nell; sister-in-law, Evelyn Watts; and a host of other extended family members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Ellis Watts; great-grandson, Preston LaDerryon Booty; mother, Ethel Lee Holmes Watts; father, E.L. Watts; three brothers and four sisters.

Per his wishes, a private memorial service for his wife and children will be held at a later date.