Craig Theodore Watts

Craig Theodore Watts, 61, passed away on December 26, 2020 after a prolonged medical battle. True to his nature, Craig woke up every day with a song and a smile to share, and despite adversity, never gave up.

Craig was born in Brockton, Massachusetts in 1959 to Leslie Earl Watts and Anita Runge Watts. Craig was the younger brother to Deborah Watts Hart and Bradley Watts, and the older brother to Leslie Watts Colwell. As a child, Craig terrified his parents with dirt bike stunts, high dives, and adventures into the woods, but was beloved by his family, friends, and community.

As an athlete, Craig became one the best basketball players in the country. Craig played for the Oliver Ames High School Tigers and was inducted into the Oliver Ames Hall of Fame in 2005. Standing 6’11”, Craig was nicknamed, “The Towering Inferno.” Craig and the Tigers went 48-3 over three seasons, including a 34-game win streak and two consecutive Eastern Massachusetts Division 2 South finals appearances. Craig averaged 28.5 points per game (with a 69.2% shooting percentage), 16 rebounds per game, and 7 blocked shots per game. Craig was the most highly recruited player in the country, and handled it with grace and humility at a young age.

Craig chose to pursue his athletic career and studies in electrical engineering at North Carolina State University. Now standing 7’0” tall, Craig played for the Wolfpack from 1977 to 1981 and earned the starting Center position in 1978. Craig lettered for four years and played for coaches Norm Sloan and Jim Valvano. The Los Angeles Lakers selected Craig as the 111th pick in the 1981 NBA Draft. After playing with the Lakers, Craig traveled the world and played for European club teams in France, Spain, and Portugal.

While Craig had a great deal of success as an athlete, he was so much more to so many people. Craig sailed Hobie Cat catamarans, flew model airplanes, camped, waterskied, fixed anything with wires, kept an immaculate garden, smoked barbecue like a true southerner, supported the Wolfpack, told jokes, and sang out loud to his favorite songs. Craig enjoyed travelling and could always find the best local spots to eat. He could make anyone feel welcome, even when he was away from home.

Craig leaves behind a loving family and memories with his wife Cindy Watts, son Daniel Watts, brother Bradley Watts, sister Leslie Colwell, and much more extended family. Craig’s smile and sense of humor will be missed by all, and the world is now richer for having had a seven-foot-tall man with personality to match.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the UNC Rex Healthcare Foundation in honor of the 6th floor Heart and Vascular Unit nurses that took exceptional care of Craig, or the American Heart Association.

Arrangements with Apex Funeral Home.