Gerald Keith Watts, 83, of Sumerco, Lincoln County, died Saturday, December 13, 2003 at CAMC Memorial following a sudden illness.
He was born November 22, 1920, at Sod, a son of the late Amos Shelburne Watts and Anice Hill Watts. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Violet Watts, who died as an infant, and Mavis Watts Gold; and by one brother, Chester Grey Watts.
Mr. Watts was a World War II veteran, a graduate of West Virginia State College and West Virginia University, worked 16 years for Union Carbide, and taught English and Spanish for 16 years at Duval High School. During his career at Duval, he took several student groups to Mexico and a couple to Spain. He was a preacher for over 50 years, preaching for several congregations, conducting numerous meetings, and performing dozens of weddings and funerals. He was a member of the Alum Creek Church of Christ, where he served as an elder. He was active in mission work, especially in Central America, making a dozen or more trips to that region. He loved to grow a garden and be outdoors.
Mr. Watts is survived by his wife of nearly 56 years, Sylvia McCormick Watts; two sons and daughters-in-law, Louis K. and Teresa Watts and Gary and Donna Watts of Sumerco; one daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Dan Dooley of Sumerco; one sister, Marybelle McCormick of Sumerco; grandchildren, Danny and wife, Ligeia Dooley; Luke Dooley; Megan, Joseph and Sarah Watts; Nakomo and David Watts; one step-grandchild, William Watts; and a host of friends.
Services will be held on Tuesday, December 16, 2003 at 2:00 PM at the Alum Creek Church of Christ with Minister Richard Runyan and Minister Justin heel officiating. Burial will be held in the Watts Family Cemetery, Sumerco. Friends may call on Monday, December 15, 2003 from 7 to 9 PM at the Alum Creek Church of Christ. Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, in charge of arrangements.