Raymond Watts

Raymond Watts, age 93 of Pittsboro, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday evening, November 24, 2024. Ray was born on February 18, 1931, in Rutherford County, North Carolina to Von Lester Watts and Katie Mae Griggs. Ray honorably served his country for over 26 years in the United States Air Force and retired as Chief Master Sergeant Watts. After his retirement from the Air Force in 1976, Ray married Panola (Pam) McDonald Brach and moved to Durham, NC where he worked at Durham Technical Community College Ray was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in the 1980s served as Bishop of the Durham First Ward for 9 years. He was also a faithful and committed member of the Durham 1st Ward Choir. Ray always thought of others and how he could be of service to them, even in his final days. He was truly a disciple of Jesus Christ. Ray was a wonderful storyteller and was quick to share his witness of his faith and memories of his past. Ray had a love for golf (scratch golfer), singing and dancing. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Panola (Pam) Mc Donald Watts and by his brothers, GC Watts and Glenn Watts, and by a great grandson, Elijah Jones. Survivors include his daughters Lila Ruth Watts of Monument, CO, Kathleen Ranee Read and husband Richard Read of Hickory, NC, Lisa Brach of Durham, NC, Stormi Watts Jarmon and husband Ron Jarmon of Pittsboro, NC, and his sons Raymond Randolph Watts of Euless, TX, Russell Vaughn Watts and wife Heather Lynne Scott of Eagle Mountain, UT. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren: Garrett Watts and wife Kiera Olsen Watts, Randi and husband Ammon Jones, Daniel Read, Spencer Read, Marianne and wife Karly Catto, Ethan Watts, Brandon Watts, Josh Watts, Katie and husband Tanner Folkman, Dexter and wife Jaycee Bass Jarmon, and Dylan Jarmon and girlfriend Savanna Bass. Ray has 13 living great grandchildren, with 3 more expected in 2024-2025.

A brief memorial service, a Celebration of Life, is planned on December 11th at the Pittsboro Chapel from 10 am-11am. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Pittsboro Chapel location is 151 Old Rock Springs Cemetery Rd, Pittsboro, NC 27312. Services can also be viewed using the following link. https://unc.zoom.us/j/9104001120

In lieu of flowers, we ask those who are interested to consider donating to the following organizations: https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services/ “LIght the World- Giving Machines- online https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/light-the-world/giving-machines Donations to the Egypt-Ramseytown Volunteer Fire Department at 2764 Bald Mountain Road, Burnsville, N.C. 28714. Checks can be written to support the devastation to the local volunteer fire department that lost everything due to Hurricane Helene. This area represents the Watts Family Heritage.

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Watts family.