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Obituary
Charles J. “Joe” Watts, 86, of
Huntington passed away on Friday April 13, 2012. He was born August 3, 1925
in Huntington, the son of the late Alvas and Naomi Malcolm Watts. He was
also preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years Joann Russell Watts,
on March 16, 2008, and by three sisters Cynthia Parker, Ruth Harshbarger and
Zelma Rigney. Joe graduated from Huntington High School, class of 1943. A
few months later he entered military service during WWII. He served in the
US Navy, including a tour of duty at the Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba,
before it became a prison. He was discharged in 1946 with the rank of Yeoman
First Class. After service, he was employed full time by the Veterans
Administration Regional Office and enrolled part-time at Marshall
University. After completing 20 years of evening classes at Marshall, he
completed several extension law classes, and correspondence courses in real
estate and insurance. Joe retired from the VA Regional Office as a
management analyst after 40 years of service. He served as a volunteer in
the credit union movement for 35 years, including service with the former VA
Federal Credit Union as president and treasurer. Joe was a member of the
Central United Methodist Church, Marshall University Foundation, Big Green
Scholarship Fund, Alumni Association, American Legion Post 93 of Kenova and
the VFW Post 1064 of Huntington. Joe was a lifelong Marshall sports fan. He
is survived by one daughter, Judith A. Bolt and husband Kenneth, one son,
Kenneth R. Watts and wife Barbara, three grandchildren; Kerry Bolt, Kristen
(Nick) Nanavati and Jodi (John) Rahall; seven great grandchildren Kiante,
Kayleigh, Sierra and Kaeden Nanavati and Jack, Graceanne, and Caroline Rahal
and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call from 5 to 8 pm
Monday at the Reger Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 11
am Tuesday at the Reger Funeral Chapel by Rev. James E. Shepherd, II. Burial
will follow in Woodmere Memorial Park, Huntington. American Legion Post 93
of Kenova will conduct military graveside rites. If desired, in lieu
of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s name to the Central United
Methodist Church or the Marshall University Foundation. His family is
extremely grateful to have had him for 86 years and for the profound
influence he had on their lives. He served as a mentor to countless friends
and colleagues and his wise counsel was always appreciated.
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