Sterling Fletcher Watts Jr.

Oh what a great 88 years he lived! He was born on June 12, 1929 in Wythe County, Virginia. The son of Sterling F. Watts and Kittie Drake Sanders, he spent his youth playing with his sister (Elizabeth Sanders Watts (Kent) 1924-1982) in the New River where their father ran Jacksons Ferry across from the shot tower. He was also predeceased by an infant brother Donnie Watts.

As a child, he was bed stricken by Polio, but in true “Sterling” manner, conquered it quickly. He and his family made it through the Great Depression, and he ultimately served the United States in the Korean War. Upon returning from Korea, he married Nancy Jackson (1930-1983) and they had his only child, Sanders Jackson Watts (Waldo). Sterling was the best father anyone could have hoped for, and the two remain best friends even today.

Sterling moved to Greenville, South Carolina, around 1962. He worked in the textile industry and became a principal owner of Nutex, Inc., a textile chemical plant still in operation today. After the passing of his first wife Nancy, he married Donna Watts (1945-2003). He loved her and her family greatly (Matt, Catherine, Annie and Clara Puckett) until her death. In 2005, he married the loving Judy Watts, his surviving spouse, and loved her and her family dearly (Marilyn, Joni, Jamye, and family.)

He is survived by immediate family members who believed he hung the moon. His daughter-in-law Kathy (Waldo) whom he adored, his granddaughter Allyson Watson (husband Matt, Mary Hollis, Hutch); and his grandson Austin Watts (wife Katie, Hannah, Sterling). Those who knew him best called him the “Top Dog” or “Paw Paw.” Sterling also had a large extended family of people he cared for deeply, he just referred to them all as “friends of Bill.”

Sterling’s life revolved around helping others, normally with a smile and a story. The smile was 100% genuine, but it’s likely the story was only 50% true. He loved playing golf, watching Clemson football, and enjoying a good chili dog. His phone message seemed to personify his outlook on life, “Have yourself a good day, unless you’ve decided otherwise…”

Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, April 30, 2018, at 12 p.m. at The Chapel in Woodlawn Funeral Home in Woodlawn Memorial Park with visitation from 10:30-11:45 am . There will be a celebration of life following the service at the Alano Club at 105 Catalina Drive in Greenville. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alano Club or charity of your choice.

Condolences can be made to the Watts family at www.woodlawn-fh.com.