Rickey Lee Watts, affectionately known as "Rickey Duck", entered this world on a cold and snowy Monday, March 10, 1958, and turned off his last ignition, Sunday, July 19, 2026.

Rickey was a kind and gentle soul, a loving father and grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend who believed he knew everything! Whew! He got a kick out of telling you how "it" was supposed to be done, although he, had never tried it before.

Rickey enjoyed working on and rebuilding cars. For over 50 years, Rickey dedicated his working life to the auto body industry, where he did not just repair cars—he brought them back to life. His ultimate (material) pride and joy was his off-time masterpiece: completely rebuilding and refurbishing a 1977 Corvette from the frame up into a stunning Candy Apple Red dream; she was a beauty!

Rickey's favorite hobbies include camping, cooking and watching cooking shows, smoking cigars, going to and watching cars race on the track, watching his favorite football team (the Pittsburgh Steelers) play every Sunday along with his three younger sisters, laughing, cutting up and making sure everyone had what they needed. He always came bearing gifts, specific to that person, especially items he found interesting in the grocery store, "here, you gotta try this" or a just-because, "here—hunh"!

Rickey loved "Old School" music. His favorite bands were Tower of Power, The Average White Band, KC and The Sunshine Band and LTD, where he thought he was their drummer, backup singer and dancer, all in one.

Rickey adored and LOVED his family immensely! He was always concerned about how this sibling or that sibling was doing. He spoke of his daughter and granddaughters with immeasurable pride and joy. He also enjoyed hanging out with his nieces, nephews and their children! He made every effort to call you, whenever…especially on your birthday and holidays, without fail. After you answered, "Hello", he followed up with, "Get your butt outta that bed", "Wake your butt up" or "What ya'll butts doing?". Rickey never said goodbye. His infamous parting word was "GONE!" Rickey was one of a kind.

Rickey was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Ed Watts, Jr. and Eunice "Bitsy" Watts; his brothers, Ed Jerome "Boo-Boo" Watts, Norris Watts (and sister-in-law, Gloria), Fred Willy Watts; and his sister, Joyce Hill.

Rickey's hearty laugh, joyful smile and unforgettable memories will forever be cherished by his daughter, Sylvia Watts; granddaughters, Alexus Jones, Symone Motley and Anaiah Clark; devoted sisters, Yonnie Nickens, Rose "Ba-Ba" Hunt (George), Karen Watts, Terri Watts and Tess White (Doug); brothers, Larry Watts (Katherine), Michael Watts and Wayne Watts (Cheryl); and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins.

Rickey made us laugh at his stories and antics and many times, had us very confused. He left us with unforgettable memories that will make us laugh (or cry) out loud, for no reason at all. Although he's physically gone, he showed love unconditionally and he meant it! Never let time pass without telling your family you love them; don't sweat the small stuff. Life is precious. Life can be short. Enjoy those who are still here because you may never get the chance to say "Goodbye" or "I Love You" while they can receive it.

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, August 1, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. William Mabry, eulogist. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6089356?fl=so&fe=fs