William Edwin Watts

William Edwin Watts, 88, of Florence, passed away November 29, 2018 at El Reposo Nursing and Rehab. He was a member of North Wood United Methodist Church; a U.S. Army veteran, and served in the U.S. Army Reserve. He was a graduate of Florence State Teachers College, now UNA, where he played football. He received his Master’s Degree in Mathematics from the University of Alabama, and was employed with Reynolds for over 31 years of service. He loved hunting, fishing, UNA and Alabama football. He was an avid runner, completing several marathons. One of his greatest achievements was remaining active and healthy despite living over 55 years with Type I Diabetes. He and Sarah enjoyed many things during their marriage including: ball room dancing, fitness workouts, traveling, hiking, and Braves baseball which included an annual trip to spring training camp.  

Visitation will be Sunday, December 2, 2018 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Greenview Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 2:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Bill Warren, brother-in-law, officiating. Burial will follow in Greenview Memorial Park.

Mr. Watts was preceded in death by his first wife, Marie Watts; sons, Steven Watts, Tony Watts, and Keith Watts.

He is survived by his wife, Sarah Wilson Watts; daughters, Judy Atkins (Steve),  and Tina Twyman (Chris); step-daughters, CDR Shelley Cruze, USN Ret., Teresa Buckley (Eddie), and Kimberly DeLape (Frank); step-son, Kenneth White; brother, George Watts, Jr. (Holli); sister, Melba Sanders; and grandchildren, Stephanie, Kimberly, and Morgan Atkins, Britton, and Ashton Twyman (Mesha), Sarah Grace Buckley, Shelley Akins (Preston), Seth McKim (Liz), and Alex and Brianna DeLape; and three great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Steve Atkins, Chris Twyman, Britton Twyman, Eddie Buckley, Dean Sanders, Dick Sanders, Carlton Watts and William Watts.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Mr. Watts’ caregivers for the past 2 years, Joe, Keshia, Jasmine, Teresa, and Shari. Also, thanks to the staff of El Reposo Nursing and Rehab for their excellent care and kindness.

In in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

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