Earl Ray Watts

Earl Ray Watts, 74, of Holly Hills Avenue, Morganton, NC died Thursday, February 9, 2006 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. He was born August 30, 1931 in Burke County, NC, and was a son of the late Willie Jasper Watts and Zulie Ruth Chapman Watts. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Shelia Langley; and sisters, Elvie Roy and Alyce Kachelriess. Earl served with the US Army in Germany. He was employed for many years with Fruehauf Trailer Mfg. in Ohio and California. He was a retired tool and die maker with Lynch Brothers Manufacturing in Phoenix, AZ, and lived many years in Mesa, AZ. Earl was an avid traveler and loved to "tinker" with cars.

He is survived by a brother, Glenn Watts of Hobart, IN; sisters, Magdelene Watts Lane of Morganton, and Effie Watts Beavers of Olin, NC; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 13, 2006 at Missionary Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. Donald Lovelace officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church following the committal service. Mr. Watts will lie in state Monday from 1:30 until 2:00 p.m. at the church. At other times, the family will be at the residence of Magdelene Lane, 2545 Holly Hills Ave., Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to Missionary Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 5612 John Watts Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.