Reed Stanton Watts

Mr. Watts, the son of George S. Watts and the former Olive Marie LaForce, was born August 29th, 1911 in St. Louis, MO. He attended Washington University and the St. Louis Business College. He served as a civilian flight instructor for 2 years in the Enlisted Reserves of the U.S. Army Air Corps from 1944 to 1946. Mr. Watts became the City Clerk, and later, Finance Director of Winter Park, Fl. in September 1957. He held this position until June 1973 when he became the Finance Director of the Orlando Airport Authority. Mr. Watts retired from the Airport Authority in August 1976 near his 65th birthday. He then became a consultant for the City of Winter Garden, Fl., and later became the Finance Director for the city, retiring for a second time near his 80th birthday in August 1991.

Mr. Watts was a lifelong Episcopalian whose faith was quiet yet strong and steadfast. While not a founding member of St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Orlando, he was one of the core members in the early days of the parish’s life and where he was later treasurer of the parish. When Mr. Watts moved from College Park to Longwood, he began attending both St. Michael’s and the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Longwood. On the occasion of his 101st birthday, both parishes claimed him as their oldest living parishioner. Mr. Watts was also a 32nd Degree Mason and was first a member of Orlando Masonic Lodge #69 and later the South Seminole Masonic Lodge #364. In 2011 he received recognition for 55 years of Active Masonic Service. In his college years, Mr. Watts was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

His wife, the former Violet Kuehl, and three daughters, Nancy Watts Edmondson, Janet Rae Watts and Sandra Watts Talley preceded Mr. Watts in death.

His son Kenneth R. Watts survives him, as do three granddaughters, Janice Edmondson Tonger, Kathleen Edmondson and Casie Conilogue and two great grandchildren, Cameron and Courtney Lee. His friend and companion Evelyn Thur also survives him.

A Memorial Eucharist will be held in the Longwood Room in the Clubhouse of the Village on the Green, Longwood on Friday, January 18th at 3 pm, the Reverend Paul McQueen officiating. The family will greet friends and neighbors at the visitation Friday night at the Carey Hand/Cox-Parker Funeral Home, 1350 W. Fairbanks Ave., Winter Park beginning at 7 pm. The Masonic Last Rite will be held at 8 pm. A Choral Festival Requiem Eucharist will be celebrated on Saturday, February 16th at 10 am at St. Michael's Episcopal Church, 2499 N. Westmoreland Dr., Orlando, the Reverend Roger J. Hamilton officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Resurrection Chapel.

The family would like to thank Vitas Hospice and Comfort Keepers In-home Care for their warm regard and support during this difficult time.