Ragan J. Watts

Ragan J. Watts, Age 85 of New Castle, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at New Castle Nursing and Rehab with his beloved wife by his side. Born on Thursday, August 22, 1940, he was the son of the late John William and Elizabeth (Rogers) Watts. Growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, he graduated from Manual High School. Ragan was a pressman for the newspaper and spent over four decades of his life working at the Louisville Courier Journal. Second to his marriage, he had a great love for horses. He left the city and moved to Henry County to enjoy the beauty and hard work of their farm on Drennon Road. On the farm, he and his wife raised horses, mostly standard bred horses that Ragan trained for harness races. He traveled all over, racing at Louisville Downs, Red Mile and even Chicago.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 62 years, Margaret Watts of New Castle; son, Calvin Watts (Missy) of Louisville; grandson, Dustin Watts of Louisville; sisters-in-law, Mary DeVary and Betty Buckley, both of Louisville; and brothers-in-law, Jim and John Sallee, both of Louisville.

A memorial service to share and reflect on Ragan’s life will be held at 5pm on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Beckley Funeral Home. Memorial Visitation will be held from 2pm until the time of service. His ashes will be interred at New Castle Cemetery at a later date. With Care and Professionalism, arrangements are under the direction of Beckley Funeral Home.