BEAVER DAM, Ky. — William Gerald Watts, 79, of Beaver Dam, left his earthly life to be with Jesus on Aug. 31, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born near Hartford, Kentucky, on Sept. 7, 1946, to the late Charles E. and Isabel Hoover Watts.
He graduated from Hartford High School in 1964 and Kentucky Wesleyan College in 1969 where he was a business and accounting major. Following his graduation, he went to work for Clemens and Guthrie, CPA’s in Owensboro, Kentucky, and moved back to Ohio County, Kentucky, to work with Larry Robinson, CPA, at the firms’ Hartford office. He earned his CPA certification in 1981 and later became managing partner of Embry & Watts, PLLC, CPA’s at its Beaver Dam location where he remained until his retirement in 2022.
Gerald was involved in several local and area organizations through the years. But his greatest joy was serving God as a deacon, song leader and in many other capacities as a member of Clear Run Baptist Church. In his early years he was a member of the Spiritual Boys Quartet and maintained a lifelong love of gospel and church music.
Along with his parents, Gerald is preceded in death by infant twins, Steven Gerald Watts and Jennifer Leigh Watts, and his brothers, Charles D. Watts, Glen Thomas Watts and Harold R. Watts.
Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Cheryl L. Watts; sons, Douglas (Krystal) Watts, Darren (Brianna) Watts; daughter, Melissa (Patrick) Belva; grandchildren, Vivian Cripps, Kylee Watts, Chase Watts, Claire Watts and Eden Watts.
A funeral service for Gerald will be held Friday, Sept. 4, at 1 p.m. at Clear Run Baptist Church. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, Sept. 3, from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Bevil Bros. Funeral Home in Beaver Dam and again on Friday from 11 a.m. until the time of service at Clear Run Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Clear Run Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or Clear Run Baptist Church Cemetery. The family wishes to thank all the doctors, nurses, therapists and Hospice workers for their wonderful care and support during this difficult time.
Online messages of condolence may be sent to bevilbrosfuneralhomes.com.