Shelby Roger Watts, 77, departed his earthly life on March 31, 2015, at his home in Raymond. Preceding him in death were his parents, Carlos and Virgie Watts, and sister Neita Watts Jacobs. He is survived by his wife of almost 56 years, Sylvia, daughters Lisa Watts Baine of San Antonio, Texas, Lauren Watts Upchurch (David) of Tupelo. Two grandsons, Connor Baine of San Antonio and David Watts Upchurch of Tupelo, two granddaughters, Caroline and Emily Upchurch of Tupelo, and one sister, Margie Ratcliff (Wade) of Monticello.
Shelby was born in Lincoln County, Mississippi, on February 2, 1938. After graduating from Mississippi College in 1965, he taught school and coached basketball, football, tennis and track at Raymond High School and taught history and driver education classes. He then went to Jackson Forest Hill High School, where he was the boys basketball and tennis coach and drivers education instructor. After his retirement from public school in 1994, he coached basketball at Central Hinds Academy in Raymond, coaching many of the sons and daughters of his former players at Raymond High School. Coach Watts received many awards throughout his coaching career, including being inducted into the Copiah-Lincoln Sports Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Association of Coaches Hall of Fame.
Services will be at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Raymond, on Saturday, April 4, and visitation will be held from 9:00 to 11:00 on Saturday.
Contributions may be made to the Youth Fund of the First Baptist Church of Raymond, 207 East Palestine Street or the charity of your choice.