Birth date: May 13, 1957 Death date: Jul 7, 2019
Ric “Papa” Lynn Watkins passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 7, 2019 at his home in Mandeville, LA. He was born on May 13, 1957 in Laurel, MS. Ric was the beloved husband of Adair P. Watkins for 35 years. He was the loving fath Read Obituary
Dr. Watkins was hands down my favorite teacher at CHS. (C/O ‘97) I took as many of his classes as I could, but Show Choir had to be my favorite. He really pushed all of us to be the best version of ourselves we could be, and pushed us out of our comfort zone because that is when the magic happens. He had the best sense of humor and was very quick witted, as was I so we would go back and forth. :) I am truly saddened by the loss of this wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with Adair, Charlotte, and Adair. God Bless!
A trouper never closes a show. He just goes on tour. Enjoy.
Rick lived without hesitation. He will be missed by many. No words can express our sadness. Our thoughts and love are with Adair and her beautiful family.
Louise Rozier and Franklin Evarts
I first met Papa Watkins while performing with his son, Adair, in North Carolina for the Flatrock Playhouse with our other two degenerate friends, Kasey Marino and Matt Faucher back in the fall of 2012. We have a tribute group to Frankie Valli.
He and his lovely wife Dairsie came over from Louisiana not only to support their incredibly talented son, but to meet his fellow performers, to judge whether they were worthy of singing with his incredibly talented son, and then if so, to, of course, throw an incredible dinner party which would last the entire weekend with Louisiana homecoming, lots of drinks and endless laughs and stories and gossip.
I say all of this because by whatever happenstance, the other boys and I didn’t meet Ric and Dairsie til after they saw our performance that first night they came to town.
I write all this in order to give you my first (of many) and lasting and loving memory of Papa Watkins.
He walked right up to me after the concert, shook my hand and said, ‘Son! My name is Ricky Lynn Watkins and your dick can SING!’
Although I laughed and continue to laugh when I think of this first meeting, his truly unique words meant the world to me. First of all, Adair, his son, is one of the best damn singers I’ve ever known. Second, I know Papa didn’t mince words or bullshit you, he didn’t have the time for it, so I knew he meant what he said. And having Papa’s approval and acknowledgment of talent will always mean the world. More still, Papa Watkins took all of us degenerate singers under his care and took care of us many times over the years since. I have many fond memories of Papa, but my dick being able to sing will always top them all as it reminds me of just how special and truly authentic Papa was.
Much love always,
J.D. Daw
Although we didn’t see Ric as often as we would have liked, we knew that he was always there for us in our time of need. He was a wonderful soul- so bright, funny, talented, loving, and giving. The world is at a loss with his passing. But we know that he’s in heaven cracking jokes and entertaining in every way, as only Ric can. Our sympathy goes out to Adair, Charlotte and Adair and your families. He was such a wonderful role model and loved by so many. He will be sorely missed.
Love, Nelson and Stevie Brevé
Ric leaves behind not only a wonderful family but also the thousands of students whose lives he positively impacted! What a fantastic legacy.
My deapest sympathies to the family during this difficult time. The CHS community has experienced a great loss. Dr Watkins was a wonderful man who did a lot for the CHS community. We would speak many mornings at the first bell. I use a power chair and many times he would hold doors for me. Dr Watkins will be greatly missed. It was an honour and a privilege to have him as a co-worker.
Adair and Family,
Our prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Please accept our sincere sympathy. To honor him, the family donated to James Storehouse in his memory.
Sincerely,
Mary Alice Renfroe, Tim and Channon McLaurin, Jerry and Zelda Prescott
Adair, Charlotte and Family,
So very sorry to hear of Ric's passing. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Judy Achary
