Ernest Clayton Watts Sr.

Mr. Watts, age 95, of Charlotte passed away Sunday, August, 5, 2012 at Wilora Lake Health Care Center.

He was born July 14, 1917 in Gaston County, North Carolina the son of the late Maurice Lank Watts, Sr. and Mary Ethel Hawkins Watts. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Ruby Mae Watts; brothers, M.L. Watts, Jr. and Edward Watts; son-in-law, Andrew B. Shaw, Jr.; and great granddaughter, Bailey Elizabeth Watts.

He proudly served in the US Navy during World War II as a 2nd Class Petty Officer in the European Theater. Mr. Watts retired as a Captain after a long career with the City of Charlotte Fire Department and prior to his career created one of the first taxi cab companies in the city. He was a faithful and active member of Durham Memorial Baptist Church and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. He was a master carpenter and fisherman, enjoyed woodworking, and had helped to build a number of homes for others. Clayton was a devoted and loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grandfather, who brought joy to those around him.

Surviving are his daughter, Shirley Watts Shaw; son, Ernest Clayton Watts, Jr. “Buddy” and wife Ann; grandchildren, William Terry Shaw, Tom Shaw, Steve Shaw, Cindy Hare, Tina Hall, Trina Huneycutt, Scott Watts, and Chris Watts; 19 great grandchildren; and 10 great-great grandchildren; sister, Hazel Russell and numerous other loving family members.

A funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, August 9, 2012 at Durham Memorial Baptist Church, 1601 Toddville Road, Charlotte, NC 28214. Interment will follow in Sharon Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the Church.

Pallbearers will be Chris Hall, Troy Huneycutt, Tom Shaw, Steve Shaw, Chris Watts and Christopher Hall; and honorary pallbearer, Terry Shaw.

The family would like to thank the staff of The Cove at Wilora Lake and Wilora Lake Health Care Center for their wonderful care of Mr. Watts during his stay.

Memorials may be made to Durham Memorial Baptist Church, or the Alzheimer’s Association Western Carolina Chapter, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215-3220.

Condolences at www.McEwenfs.com