David Edward Watts

David Edward Watts, 78, of Murfreesboro, TN, passed away on January 6, 2024, following a long illness. Visitation will be held the morning of Thursday, January 11, 2024 from Ten O'clock until Twelve noon at Roselawn Funeral Home, with a graveside service immediately following the visitation at Twelve noon in Roselawn Memorial Gardens.

David is survived by his wife of 59 years, Wanda; son Alan (Dawn) of Murfreesboro; grandchildren Dylan Watts and Savannah Casterline-Watts, both of Murfreesboro; and brother Joe (Martha) Watts of Talladega, AL. David was preceded in death by sister Martha Duncan.

David was born on October 12, 1945, in Birmingham, AL, to the late Edward O. and Eula Watts. In his youth David earned the Eagle Scout Award and was honored with membership to the Order of the Arrow. He enlisted in the Navy just a few years later, serving honorably from 1965 to 1969. A Vietnam War veteran, David served as Naval ship photographer and captured imagery that helped preserve the Navy’s role in that historic conflict.

In his post-military life, David enjoyed a career as a professional photographer, and his interest in photography came second only to his most avid interest – stamp collecting – with his love of golf coming in third. David was a life-long Alabama Crimson Tide fan, and, in his amicably divided household, enjoyed a friendly rivalry with his son, a UT Volunteers fan. In his role as family patriarch, David was a loving husband and father, and a gentle, doting grandfather. He will be greatly missed.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff of the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Murfreesboro, and to David’s ICU care team at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford.