Arthur Watts' Obituary
Arthur Terence Watts, age 79, passed suddenly on Sunday, April 6, 2025 at Novant Hospital, Huntersville, NC, following a lengthy battle bravely confronting, with the help of his wife Pat, family and friends, the effects of a stroke suffered many months earlier.
"Terry", as he was known by all, was born June 29th, 1945 in San Bernardino, CA, son of parents who predeceased him; Arthur Milton Watts, and Winnifred "Winnie" Fitzgerald. His father, was a retired officer in the U.S. Air Force, and Army Air Corps veteran of WWII. His mother was a life long educator.
Lt. Colonel Arthur Watts inducted Terry into the USAF in 1968, which he very proudly served with honor and integrity prior to his honorable discharge in 1972. He then began his career in the telecommunications industry in Miami, an industry which he served for 25 years.
Terry leaves the love of his life, Patricia Ann Meagher, "Pat"; they shared 53 years together. They were married on August 21, 1971 in Cranford, NJ., having met in Miami, FL where Terry worked for the AT&T Co., and Pat at Pan Am Airways as a flight attendant.
Following Terry's transfer to Atlanta, GA, they made their home in Stone Mountain, from which Pat commuted to Miami, continuing her career with Pan Am, until the birth of their son Josh in 1978. In January, 1992 Terry took a new position in Charlotte NC, where they moved in the new house on Angel Oak Dr. in the nearby, then "small town", of Huntersville. It became their home for over 30 years.
Following Terry's career with AT&T, he worked until recent years as a subcontrator Telecom Supervisor for the U.S. Army, at bases far and near, upgrading the service's telecom installations.
Terry is survived by their son Josh Nicholas Watts, and partner, Bonnie Guinn, and their two children Amelia, 12, and Callahan 10, residents of Rock Hill, SC. Also, siblings Peter Watts (Patty), of Chester, VA; Brian Watts of Melbourne, FL), Timothy Watts (Linda) of Palm Bay, FL, and Malia Brown (Hatter), of Orlando, FL., and their respective 12, grandchildren to Terry, and that generation's 5 great grandchildren.. Terry was predeceased by his younger brother, Kevin Watts.
Surviving also are Terry's in- laws, Lawrence Meagher Jr. (Marilyn) of Goshen, CT, Eileen Cumiskey, Edison, NJ, and Jean Henehan (Michael), of Wilmington, NC, and their eleven children.
The nieces and nephews belong to a generation who loved their Uncle Terry, reveling in his great sense of humor, and exceedingly sharp and lightning fast wit. They cherish memories of the lively board games at which he excelled, and the good humor he brought to those experiences. The whole family admired his skill and devotion as a carpenter and craftsman who enjoyed working at his cabinetry and frame making, coupled with his meticulous home maintenance projects. Terry's enjoyment of food and its preparation, especially when grilling time came around, will be remembered and appreciated, as was his predilection for perfectly pairing of the food with just the right beverage, be they hops, mash or grape based.
Terry will be missed most of all by Pat, son Josh and partner Bonnie, and grandchildren Amelia and Callahan; and the family, friends and co-workers of many years who knew and valued him. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that those who so desire, make a gift in his honor to a charity or cause of their choice.
The family invites friends and relatives to a celebration of life and memorial service to be held at 11:00 a.m. on May 10, 2025 at the James Funeral Home, 10520 Arahova Drive, Huntersville. Private burial for family members will be scheduled for a later date.
What’s your fondest memory of Arthur?
What’s a lesson you learned from Arthur?
Share a story where Arthur's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Arthur you’ll never forget.
How did Arthur make you smile?