George Edward Watts

It was the eighteenth day of September, in the year 1948 that George Edward Watts was born unto Jessie Frank Watts, Sr. and Minnie Price Watts. He was one of five children born unto this union. At a very young age, George was taught the importance of family ties, strong ties, strong faith, morals and importance of sharing love and compassion towards all humanity. George was baptized at a young age and became an affiliated member of Springfield Baptist Church in Clinton, South Carolina, the Reno Community.

At a young age, George was taught the significance of Proverbs 4:7, "Wisdom (Knowledge) is the principal thing: therefore, get wisdom, but with all thy getting, get understanding." This was a basic standard that he carried throughout his entire life. He was educated in the Clinton Public School System and graduated from Bell Street High School in the Class of 1966. After high school, he attended his father's  HBCU alma mater, Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, while majoring in Business Administration. While attending Benedict College, he was drafted into the United States Army where he fought with bravery and distinction in the Vietnam War. While courageously serving and protecting during his military assignments, George was injured and was later awarded the Purple Heart for his years of committed and valiant service.

George was honored with the Purple Heart because of the injuries he sustained during enemy warfare. It is a solemn distinction and means a service member has greatly sacrificed themselves in the line of duty. He also received the following awards of distinction for his acts of courage during his military service: the Combat Infantryman badge, Bronze Star Medal, RVN Gallantry Cross with Palm, Unit Citation and Vietnam Service Medal. Not only on the battlefields, even until his health began to fail, George remained committed, dedicated and a distinguished man of patriotism for all of humanity; especially, veterans of war. For you see, he went from being a young, driven and determined solider to serve his country with the with the upmost of esteem and courage, in the  Vietnam War, to becoming a seasoned veteran with strong ties and affiliations with the Veterans Administration, over the course of his adult life.

Patriotism and humanitarian efforts have always been the sole core fabric of George's life and "ministry". To "serve the needs of others', was his ministry, it was his calling. Whether serving in battle, or his community, his church or among his family and friends, "service to others" has always been his Georg's purpose-driven ministry in life. George was an accomplished veteran and has affectionately accepted several awards and privileged recognitions for his patriotic services to his country and humanity. Some of the most notable achievements were awarded to him while serving on the state, local, and national level of State Veterans of Foreign War's Department of Veterans and Military Support. Some of his most notable awards of distinction were being inducted into Laurens County Hall of Heroes, Past Post Commander VFW 5208, Past District 4 Commander State of SC 2011-2012, Past Inspector for State Department of VFW 2013-2015, Assistant Inspector General of VFW 2009-2010 & 2015-2016, Past Distinguished All American Team of 2001-2002, Past District Commander of All State Team 2011-2012 and preceding his death, he was still a Lifetime Member of VFW Post 3354, Lifetime Member of DAV and a Member of Military Order of the Cooties.

Aside from his esteemed military career and various acquired accomplishments, he also worked briefly at the Torrington Bearing Plant in Clinton, South Carolina before he began his professional career with the United States Postal Service in Greenwood, South Carolina, until his retirement after thirty-one years of faithful service. George also served faithfully in the Evening Light #260 and Rose of Bethlehem Masonic Lodge # 443, until his health began to fail him. He prided himself with strong discipline, hard work, dedicated service, and strong work ethics. He was a man of great integrity. He was a "man's man" and had no problem standing his ground. His word was his bond and when he spoke, people most definitely listened! He had a laid-back countenance and was very witty, too. His personality was best summed up as being, " Easy Like Sunday Morning".

George married the love of his life, Euphiner "Phin" Williams Watts on December 10, 1971. Together, they created a beautiful home, family, and life full of overflowing love and lots of laughter shared by all. George Edward Watts was called to rest from labor, on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital. He was proceeded in death by his parents.

He leaves to cherish fond and loving memories, a loving and devoted wife, Euphiner Williams Watts of the home; his loving daughter, Yashica W. (Brian) McMorris, of Fountain Inn, SC and a devoted son, Trevor T. Watts of the home; four grandsons: Darius K. Gary of Atlanta, GA, Saveon D. McMorris of Fountain Inn, SC, Bryant T. McMorris of Newberry, SC, and Jaylon K. McMorris of Greenwood, SC; three brothers: Jessie Frank (Albertina) Watts, Jr and Ralph Watts both of Clinton, SC, and John Willie (Sheron) Watts, and Mary Elizabeth (Charles) Williams of Laurens, SC; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George Edward Watts, please visit our floral store.