Vernon Watts
July 18, 2021
Vernon F. Watts, Sr. (Vern), 70, Ponte Vedra, Florida, passed away on July 18, 2021 after a courageous 3-year battle with
Multiple System Atrophy (MSA).
Vern was married for 45 years to his wife Deborah (Debbie), a true love story admired by all and envied by many. He is survived by his son Vernon, Jr.; his Yorkie MJ; 5 grandchildren, Vernon III (Trey), Trevor, McKenna, Valerie and Carys; mother Lillian and siblings George and Paula Wilson, as well as numerous in-laws and nieces and nephews. He is joined in Heaven with his son Michael Joseph and father Emory Fulton (Junior).
Born in Baltimore Maryland, Vern also lived in Brooklyn Park, Linthicum, Severna Park and Eldersburg Maryland; Yakima Washington; and Brevard North Carolina. He was a computer analyst with the National Security Agency for 39 years and General Dynamics for 7 years earning numerous awards with both. Vern was well known for his hard core support of the Baltimore Ravens football team since establishment in 1996. After retiring to Del Webb Ponte Vedra in the community of Nocatee, Vern established the annual golf cart parades, was the “sound guy” for Performing Arts Club, was active in the Men’s Club as events co-coordinator and was a member of the Garden Club, repairing the irrigation systems. Vern was the unofficial mayor of his neighborhood, Marsh Preserve, helping neighbors with their new homes, electronics, and of course purchasing golf carts. Vern was well loved and respected by all he crossed paths with and will be missed dearly.
The family asks that donations be made online in memory of Vernon F. Watts, Sr. at Defeat MSA Alliance at https://defeat MSA.org/donate-to-us/. A mail-in donation form is available on the website.
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Dear Deb & family, we send our love and sympathies to you and yours at this very difficult time and going forward. Vern was a wonderful man and will be so missed by many. He was loved and was so fortunate having you by his side through your many years together, Deb! Your relationship was incredible and hope we all could have the closeness, unending love you had with your husband, Deb! To the grandchildren, Rachel and Vern Jr. may your memories of Pop/Dad bring you comfort and peace always. He is with Michael and those who have gone before and pain free. Wish we could be there now, but in spirit we are! Love, Jim & Barb
I am so sorry to hear about Vern. I know, as you know it happened to me when John died 31 years ago back in May 1990. I never expected to find someone else, but we have been married 24 yrs in Nov. I guess God had a reason for taking our men when he did, but it just doesn't seem fair. Anyway, take care and maybe we'll see each other again some day. Lots of love and prayers Pat
We're so sorry for your loss, Aunt Debbie. Uncle Vernon was such a wonderful person, inside and out. He will truly be missed but never forgotten. We love you very much.
Rest in Paradise, Vern.
You were a gentleman, a wonderful husband and a great neighbor to those living in Del Webb. Our condolences to your family.
Debbie,
I am so deeply saddened to learn of Vern's passing. He was such a large presence in our community and he made it a better place for all. He always had a smile on his face no matter his troubles. You were there for each other through all of life's ups and downs. He will be truly missed and you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace after a courageous battle. Sending my love your way.
Vernon was an outstanding father and grandfather! He is an amazing soul and will be greatly missed. Love you Vernon.
I am so so sorry for your loss Deb and sorry for the loss to our neighborhood. We all loved Vern and will miss him, his smiles, his leadership, and his friendship to us all. He truly was the mayor of Marsh Preserve. Prayers to you and the family.
Debbie, you and Vern lived a beautiful love story as man and wife, mother and father, grandmother and grandfather. Thank you for sharing your love and friendship. Vern always worn a smile and was always willing to help anyone in need. He loved you deeply. His love and light continues to shine bright!
You know how much we love and care about you Debbie and we are deeply sorry that Vern was taken so soon. How special that you were able to have lived all of the years that you had together with such love and devotion to one another. May you grow in strength in each as Vern would want you to do and always feel the love from your sweet husband, loving family, and devoted friends. We've got you!!
Debbie – David and I remember him taking us to the beer fest on the back of his golf cart when we first arrived It made us feel very welcome. And of course, there was David's rosemary bread that Vern loved! I know you were there for him in an extraordinary way and may you take comfort in knowing that. And in knowing the love you had for each other. That will always be there. Love, Diane and David
Vern, I can’t believe you are gone…this last year has been a roller coaster ride, not only for you, but Debbie and the family. I’m so glad that you got to see the girls and spend time with while you were in a good state. They love you so dearly and miss you so much. I want to thank you for always embracing me, even after Michael passed. You were always my “go to” person for electronics and advice on how to fix things; I’m going to have to figure that stuff out on my own now! I will continue to take care of Debbie the best way I can even though we are miles apart. You will be deeply missed and forever loved, but I know that you and Mike are looking down on both of us, keeping us safe and thinking “damn, it’s about time those two got along!” Our bond has grown even more because of the two of you and it will continue to blossom for years to come. We love you and miss you!
Our sincere condolences to you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Debbie,
You and Vern were a true love story to be cherished. Vern’s hard journey with MSA is finally over.
His memory lives on in who he was.
(A WONDERFUL MAN)…..
In how he lived.
(HELPING SO MANY)…..
And in who you are because of him
(A WONDERFUL WOMAN)…..
Have faith and trust in God in this new beginning. His love is with you always. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Gigi
Dear Deb and family,
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Although we may not understand the tragedies in life, we are always in the Lord’s hands. Let the precious memories of Vern bring you comfort in times of darkness. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God walk beside you and guide you through.
So sorry for your loss Debbie. We were blessed to have Vern as our neighbor. He was a friend of Marsh Preserve and DWPV. You have been a picture of love in action. God will surely bless you.
Remember Vern well. He was a great friend and coworker at YRS.
Debbie, I am so heartbroken to hear of Vern's passing. You are two amazing people and made an amazing couple. We have such fond memories of our time in Washington. You are in our prayers. Much Love, Tony & Robin