Ricardo Lalagro Watts

His Life

Ricardo Lalagro “Rick” Watts, age 63, of Jeffersonton, Virginia, passed away on October 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy where family was first, laughter never ceased, and love was felt by all who knew him. Born September 1, 1962, in Portsmouth, Virginia, Rick lived a life defined by purpose, integrity, and heart.

Rick was a devoted husband, a loving father, a doting grandfather, and a fiercely loyal friend. His presence was bold and unapologetic. He lived out loud, with a heart wide open. Rick never met a stranger; he led with warmth, generosity, and an unwavering belief in connection. His tenacity was unmatched, and his willingness to show up for others—repeatedly—was a living testament to his selflessness.   If you had an opportunity to meet Rick – for just one day, he would have made you feel as though you were lifelong friends…that’s just the type of man he was.  His light never dimmed – it just shined for all to see.  

His Education and Career

Rick graduated from Norfolk State University with a degree in Communications, launching a career rooted in truth and connection. He began as a newspaper reporter, using his gift for language to inform and uplift his community.  Later, he answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Navy. 

As a Public Affairs Officer, Rick brought a unique perspective to every assignment. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant. Rick was a proud Navy Veteran and, through his service, shaped the way he led his life.  Even after his time in uniform, he remained committed to volunteering in the military and veteran community – leading by service.  

After his military service, Rick continued to serve his community as a Bail Bondsman. His tough demeanor and no-nonsense approach made him natural in the field, but it was his deep sense of fairness and loyalty that truly set him apart. Rick didn’t just secure releases—he offered guidance, accountability, and a steady hand to those navigating difficult moments. His work reflected his belief in redemption and responsibility, and his presence was both commanding and empathetic.   

His Passions

Rick was a man of many talents and passions. A lifelong athlete, he wrestled in high school and discovered his love for tennis early on—a love that never faded. Fiercely competitive, he played to win and took pride in delivering the occasional “doughnut” on the scoreboard. But beyond the game, Rick was generous with his time and eager to teach others the art and discipline of tennis.

He was a proud lifetime member of the American Tennis Association (ATA), the oldest African American tennis organization in the United States. Rick didn’t just belong, he embodied the ATA’s guiding principles of Sportsmanship, Unity, and Goodwill. Through mentorship and shared joy, he helped others find their rhythm on the court and their confidence in it.

During the quiet stretch of the pandemic, Rick picked up something new - music. He decided to teach himself the saxophone, and before long, the house was filled with smooth, soulful sounds. It didn’t start that way, of course…just a few squeaks and scales at first; but he stuck with it. Because if there was one thing Rick wasn’t, it was a quitter. Over time, those notes turned into something beautiful.

Rick loved good food, hearty laughter, and the kind of fellowship that filled a room with joy. And when we say good food—we mean he loved to eat. He had a voracious appetite and took genuine pleasure in every bite, especially when surrounded by friends and family. Meals weren’t just about nourishment; they were about connection. Rick ate with his whole self—fully present, fully grateful, and always ready for seconds.

His Spirit of Service

Service was at the heart of everything Rick did. He gave generously of his time and resources to uplift others and strengthen his community.

Rick was deeply committed to volunteerism and veteran support organizations such as Final Salute Inc., where he championed the mission of Ms. Veteran America to empower and assist homeless women veterans and their children. And, every Thanksgiving, he could be found serving meals at the Armed Forces Retirement Home to our senior veterans, embodying the true meaning of service before self. 

A dedicated community leader, Rick also served on the Loudoun County, VA YMCA Board, where he worked to expand youth programs and family outreach initiatives.

At Antioch Baptist Church, Rick and his beloved wife, Denyse, served faithfully side by side. Together, they were part of the Antioch Assimilation and Connection Team, welcoming visitors and following up with care always hoping that those seeking a church home would find belonging at Antioch. They also poured into the Marriage Ministry small group classes, where they built lasting bonds with other couples. The class was filled with laughter, light-hearted banter, and meaningful conversations—all rooted in the Word and a shared commitment to growing in faith and love.

His Brotherhood and Beliefs

A proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Rick embodied the fraternity’s motto: Achievement in Every Field of Human Endeavor. He lived out its values through brotherhood, integrity, and a lifelong commitment to service. Rick shared a deep bond with his five-line brothers of PerfeKt KonneKtion from the Dulles-Leesburg Alumni Chapter, and his presence among them will be profoundly missed. He also served as an inaugural founding member of the Gainesville-Manassas Alumni Chapter, helping to lay the foundation for future generations of Kappa men.

Rick was a proud and devoted member of the Meherrin Indian Tribe, holding close the heritage, traditions, and sense of belonging it offered. He was a staunch supporter of preserving the Tribe’s integrity and ensuring its sustainment for future generations.

Above all, Rick’s life was rooted in his unwavering faith in God. He lived with intention, always seeking to reflect God’s love in the way he showed up for others. His faith was something he lived. The book of Romans held a special place in his heart, especially the reminder in Romans 5:1:

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

That peace carried him through every season. Rick believed deeply in the promise of Romans 8:28–39—that all things work together for good, and that nothing—not hardship, not loss, not even death—could separate us from the love of God. That truth shaped his steps and steadied him in hard times.  Safe to say, it has left a lasting imprint on everyone who crossed his path.

His Family and Legacy

To his family, Rick was the heart that held everyone together.  He was the beloved husband of Denyse, devoted father to Julian and Micah, and proud grandfather to Legacy and Xariah. He was also deeply loved by a wide circle of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, friends, and colleagues —each one touched by his steady presence and unwavering care.

He was also a cherished brother to Calvin, and was preceded in death by his parents, Allia and Doris, and his brothers Michael Angelo, Gregory Andre, Don Diego, Tony Allia and Chico Romero.

Rick was the one who made sure everyone stayed close—sharing updates, checking in, and reminding us we were never alone. He had a way of bringing people together, whether through a phone call, Facebook post, text, or a well-timed laugh.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life service to honor Rick’s remarkable journey will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Antioch Baptist Church 6531 Little Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of his life and the love he so freely shared. The funeral service will also be streamed for those unable to attend in person at https://antioch-church.org/

Service Schedule
Visitation - 10:00–10:45 a.m. (Please write legibly in the guestbook; photos will be displayed.)
Kappa Alpha Psi Tribute - 10:45–11:00 a.m.
Funeral Service - 11:00–12:30 p.m.
Funeral Procession - 1:00–1:45 p.m.
Interment with military honors at Quantico National Cemetery - 2:00 p.m.

A Life Well Lived

Though Rick’s physical presence is no longer with us, his spirit remains—a steady force in the lives he touched. His laughter still echoes in our memories, and his can-do attitude lives on in the way we face each day. He had a way of lifting the room, showing up with joy, and saying “yes” when something needed doing. Always ready to lend a hand, always eager to serve, Rick didn’t just talk about love—he lived it.

Fair winds and calm seas, Lieutenant Watts. Your watch is complete.

We’ll carry the legacy from here; anchored by your example and lifted by your love.

Rest in God’s peace, Rick, and rise in His glory.

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