Daniel Grier Watts

Daniel Grier Watts, age 79, passed away on November 21, 2020. He was born on October 4, 1941 in Loris, South Carolina. He was the son of the late Sam Grier Watts and Martha Grace Rhodes Watts. He leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Cheryl; daughter, Beth Klaes (Chris); granddaughters, Anna and Bailey Klaes; brothers, Billy Watts, Ray Watts (Bethel); sisters, Lucretia McCarty (Lane), Daine Vaught (Buddy); sisters-in-law, Jean Watts and Alvida Watts, many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Ken and Johnny Watts. He grew up on a farm in Loris, South Carolina with his siblings where he learned the value of hard work and the importance of relationships. After graduating high school, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia to learn the skill of drafting and then carried his new found knowledge to California where he found a job working on NASA’s Apollo space project. On a visit back to South Carolina, he met Cheryl. They would marry, head back to San Diego, California and later welcome their only child, Beth. After a few years out west, the new family decided to move back to South Carolina to be closer to family. He then spent over 25 years of his professional career working for Lexington County as the Deputy Director of Public Safety and Director of Solid Waste.

Dan had many loves. He was a woodworker, an avid gardener and spent time at his mountain cabin in Barnardsville, North Carolina. His passion for traveling came to him later in life, and brought him and Cheryl great joy, lasting memories and true friendships. Dan loved to learn and he said he never learned more than when he and Cheryl were on a trip. He found so much joy in sharing his love for traveling with his two granddaughters, Anna and Bailey, as well.

Dan will be missed by so many.

Memorials can be made to the ETV Endowment online at etvendowment.org or through the mail at 401 E. Kennedy Street, Suite B-1, Spartanburg, SC 29302. In either instance, please indicate that your gift is in memorial of Dan Watts.

Dan’s family would like to express their deep appreciation for the amazing outpouring of support we have received during this devastating time.