William “Pappy” Watts, 100, of Morganton, NC, died Sunday, May 5, 2024.
Born in Burke County, NC on October 20, 1923, he was the son of the late John Furman Watts and Zela Chapman Watts. Mr. Watts was a life-long attendee of Missionary Ridge Baptist Church. He was a US Army veteran of WWII and served in Normandy after the invasion. Pappy loved the mountains and enjoyed educating others about the mountains. He also enjoyed gardening, loved kids, and was known as “Pappy” to everyone.
Mr. Watts is survived by his daughter, Teresa Watts Phillips (Austin); grandson, Jordan Kendall Phillips (Amber); great-grandchildren, Skyler Phillips, Lathan Phillips, Liam Phillips, Brinley Mason, and Ansley Mason; siblings, Blanche Watts Berry and Herman Eugene Watts; and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Pappy was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Roper Watts; two grandchildren, Marjorie Estelle and William Styles Phillips; siblings, Ernest Marvin Watts, Beulah Watts Smith, LouElla Watts Wilson, John Ervin Watts, Jack Donald Watts, and Betty Watts Secrest.
The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m., Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Missionary Ridge Baptist Church Life Enrichment Center (LEC). The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. in the LEC with Pastor Darren Browning officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Teresa, what a delight it was to know William! His love of the mountains equaled mine. I loved being at the reunion and sharing stories with him. He is with Jean and his siblings now, what a joy for all to be together again! He will be missed by all who love him. May God give you grace and peace to accept the things we cannot change!
Praying for comfort and peace for this dear sweet family!! He was a pleasant gentleman to encounter!! Always laughing and cutting up!! He will surely be missed by all who knew him!! He lived a long wonderful life!!🙏❤️🙏