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Obituary: Billy Wall Watts

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Staff


Billy Wall Watts, 79, lifelong resident of Carrboro, N.C., passed away on June 3 after a sudden diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. He is now in peace, rejoicing in the reunion with his beloved son, Kevin.

Born on Sept. 8, 1931 to Mack and Beulah Watts, Billy was raised in Carrboro and was a member of Carrboro Baptist Church. After graduating from Chapel Hill High School in 1949, he joined the United States Air Force and served in the Korean War. After returning home, he worked with his father in his radio and TV repair shop and later worked at UNC Student Stores, and remained there until his retirement. 

Known as Billy, Bill, Daddy and Grandaddy, he was known and loved by many. He had keen wit and a great sense of humor. He was an avid Tar Heel fan, and his favorite UNC sport was basketball. He was a Carrboro volunteer fireman and faithfully worked in the sound booth at Carrboro United Methodist Church. He loved cars, technology, breakfast with friends and traveling with friends and family. He especially looked forward to vacationing at the beach with his wife, children and grandchildren, a week that was always highlighted by finding, cooking and eating a bushel of boiled peanuts.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Garriss Watts of the home; children, Dena Watts of Asheville, N.C., and Melinda Watts Billings and husband, Steve, of Greensboro, N.C.; and granddaughters, Sarah Elizabeth Billings and Madelyn Grace Billings of Greensboro. Also surviving are his sister, Margaret Watts of Carrboro, and a host of extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Watts; father, Mack Watts; and mother, Beulah Watts.

The family would like to thank God for surrounding them with the support and love of countless friends and family across the state, especially those in Asheville, Carrboro and Greensboro. We would also like to thank the wonderful and caring staff of Carrboro Family Medicine, UNC Hospitals and Hospice at the Meadowlands in Hillsborough, N.C.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Carrboro United Methodist Church, 200 Hillsborough Road, Carrboro, NC 27510; or Hospice at the Meadowlands, 1001 Corporate Drive, Hillsborough, NC 27278.

1 thought on “Obituary: Billy Wall Watts”

  1. Debra Blake Buck says:
    June 25, 2011 at 11:54 pm

    Just wanted to extend my sympathy to Billy Watts’ family. My mother and Billy were co-workers for many years at theUNC textbook dept. and his daughter Dena was a year behind me in school. The family will be in my prayers.

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