Avon Watts

Avon Watts was born on March 20, 1930, to Mary Watts in Statesville, North Carolina. He was an active member of Logan Presbyterian Church in Statesville until he graduated from high school. He graduated from Unity High School in 1949.

Following graduation, he joined the United States Army on August 3, 1949, and was Honorably Discharged on October 9, 1951. Later, he took a battery of tests with a group of thirty-two men and was one of two men selected for the United States Air Force. He decided to re-enlist in the military and joined the United States Air Force in 1951, and was stationed in France. After being in the Air Force for a short period of time, he was selected to attend Aircraft Mechanic Training. Due to the fact he was certified to repair airplanes with special equipment, he was required to travel all over the world to conduct airplane maintenance. One airplane, for which he was solely responsible, actually displayed his name.

In 1965, he had an opportunity to attend the William Tell Gunnery Meet (U.S. Air Force Gunnery Competition). While at the Gunnery Meet, he was allowed to observe the SR71 Black Bird (Special Operations Aircraft), and other fighter aircraft. Later in 1967, Avon was assigned to Vietnam, where he served two tours. He was in Vietnam during the 1968 Tet Offensive (the largest military campaign of the Vietnam War). While in Vietnam, he was promoted and returned to the United States. In 1974, he took the WAPS (Weighted Airman Promotion System) Test and scored in the top ten percent. As a result of his test score, he was promoted to Master Sergeant.

While in the military, Avon received numerous awards. His awards include the following: Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon; Vietnam Service Ribbon; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; Good Conduct Award (4 times); National Defense Service Medal; Military Merit Award; and Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon (3 times). He was also decorated with the U.S. Commendation Medal.

After twenty-five years of service, he retired from the Air Force on July 1, 1976. He later accepted employment with the United States Postal Service. Avon retired as a Mail Handler in 1989 after 13 years of employment.

While in the military, he met Rubye Jessie Mae Latson. They were united in Holy Matrimony on January 12, 1964, and were married for 39 years; until her death on November 21, 2003. No children were born to this union.

Avon was preceded in death by his wife, Rubye Jessie Mae Watts; mother, Mary Watts-Woods; stepfather, Robert O. Woods; and brother, Ervin Watts. He leaves to cherish his memories: twin stepdaughters, Dr. Elaine Berry (Kenneth) of Huffman, TX, and Dr. Patricia Evans of Las Vegas, NV; stepson, Donald Lee (Annie) of Houston, TX; sisters, Sandra Woods and Kathy Bostic of Statesville, NC, and Myrtle Thomas of Statesville, NC; brothers, Elder Larry Woods (Ethelene) of Mooresville, NC, and Gilbert Thomas of Statesville, NC; brother-in-law, Roy E. Bailey (Earnestine) of Humble, TX; special aunt, Beulah Mack of Statesville, NC; step-grandchildren, Patti Lynette Darrington (Richard); Denise Landry (Allen); Stefanie Madkins; Alecia Youngblood (Clarence); Don C. Lee, and Jerrand Lee; three step-great-granddaughters, Brianna Williams, Haley Youngblood, and Dana Youngblood; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A visitation for Avon will be held Saturday, October 17, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM with a funeral service to be held from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039. A committal service will occur from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Brookside Memorial Park, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston, TX 77039.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brooksidefuneralhomelauder.com for the Watts family.