Burneal Don Watts

Burneal Don Watts, 75, completed his earthly journey and met his Savior on resurrection morning, Sunday, April 8, 2012, at his home. Formal visitation for family and friends will be Tuesday, April 10, from 6-8 p.m. at Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. The funeral service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, 1165 Minter Lane, on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 at 2:00 p.m, with Pastor Michael Reed officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. Burneal was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church where he served faithfully as a deacon and was awarded Layman of the Year in 1995 by the Abilene Baptist Association. He loved his church. He was also a faithful follower of Southern Gospel Music and often invited family and friends to join him to hear his favorite quartet. Daddy began work as a carpet installer at Knight Carpet Co. in the fifties. He purchased the business in 1982 and following his retirement in 1995, he and mom lived for ten years in their beloved Tennessee where they daily enjoyed Southern Gospel Music. To his children he was Daddy, to his grandchildren "Bumdaddy" or "Granddaddy", to his siblings he was a beloved brother, to a host of nieces and nephews he was "Uncle Bur" or "Uncle Great". Daddy was dearly loved by his children, siblings, nephews and nieces and a host of friends. He was a generous man. He loved giving and receiving hugs. He was especially tender with mom over the course of the last several years. Their goodnight ritual, which included a kiss from Emmit, his loved Pug, was a joy to see and often ended with tears. His last goodnight on Saturday, he told mom he loved her and thanked her for her sweet care. Loved ones who welcomed him home were his parents; two sisters, Louise Rose and Ione Acklin; and two brothers, W.C. Watts and Bobby Watts. Those left to cherish his memory are his Mi Amor, Doris of Abilene; five children, Donna Martin and husband Duane of Abilene, Doug Watts and wife Charlotte of Dallas, Susan Crow and husband Ken of Silverdale, Washington, Paige Watts and wife Tammy of Abilene, and Ricky Watts of Lubbock. Survivors also include thirteen grandchildren, Shannon Watts, Shayla Womble, Mindy Williams, Stuart Martin, Whitney Watts, Nathan Watts, Patrick Crow, Maggie Crow, Job Crow, Hannah Crow, Sara Watts, Zack Watts and Jesse Watts; one great-grandson, Silas Blanton; a sister, Roxye Rowell of Carthage, Missouri; and his beloved Pug, Emmitt. Thank you for the heritage you left for us Daddy. We love you and will miss you. Pallbearers will be Shannon Watts, Patrick Crow, Nathan Watts, Job Crow, Zack Watts, Jesse Watts and Stuart Martin. Honorary pallbearers will be the deacons of Calvary Baptist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 1165 Minter Lane, Abilene, TX 79603.