Ric Lynn Watkins

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 father of his much adored children Adair R. Watkins and Charlotte W. Smith, father-in-law to Kristin Watkins and Josh Smith. Ric was the proud grandfather of Lily and Brennan Smith and Amelia Watkins. He was also survived by his in-laws, Agatha Blom and Lynne and Bob Travers and many generations of colleagues and students. He is also greatly missed by his beloved dog, Sugar. He gave his heart away as freely as he gave a piece of his mind. He had no regrets. You always knew what he really thought. He shared love joyfully and wholly. Ric received his B.A. and M.A. from the University of Southern Mississippi and his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. He was the department head of Fine Arts at Covington High School, where he taught for 27 years. In 2005, he was Teacher of the Year. Preceding his tenure at Covington High, he began his teaching career at Christ Episcopal School. In 1989, he participated in the Metropolitan Opera Guild Creating Original Opera program with Bonnie Stokes. He served as the Minister of Music at Lee’s Creek Southern Baptist Church in Bogalusa from 1986-1991 and again from 2001-2014. Ric was the founder and executive producer of the Covington Louisiana Actors Playhouse System (CLAPS). In 2015, he was nominated for the Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre Education. In 2017, he was awarded a $35,000 grant for CLAPS from the American Theatre Wing and the Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative. He was awarded a myriad of other grants for various programs through the years. Ric served as director of Pro Musica, an ensemble of vocalists, who performed for firemen in NYC after 9/11 in 2002, and in Rome and Florence, Italy in 2005. He had a special gift for teaching many the love of music. His passions for music and education were exemplified in every aspect of his amazing life. “Wherever you see pelicans, I am there with my friends.” In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ric’s name to James Storehouse Louisiana. Relatives and friends are invited to the Memorial Service at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W. 21st Avenue, Covington, LA 70433 on Friday, July 12, 2019 at 3:00 PM with visitation from 1:00 PM until service time. Please Share a Memory on the Tribute Wall at www.ejfieldingfh.com.

Ric Lynn Watkins

May 13, 1957 - July 7, 2019