OBITUARY: Kenneth Gray Watts

Kenneth Gray Watts, age 93, of Watertown, TN, passed away on November 29, 2025. He was born in Gordonsville, TN to the late Cecil G. and Irene Parker Watts. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings: Francis Watts and Reba (Tommy) Korman.

Kenneth is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Marie Hall Watts; children: Bethany (Terry) Vantrease, Connie (Joe) Saxon, Kendal (Ann) Watts and Linda (Paul) Vantrease. Kenneth (Papa) had 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren that he loved “A bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck”. Grandchildren: Hannah (Caleb) Whitten, Daniel (Jess) Saxon, Meagan (Dustin) Harvey, Kirstin (Ethan) Moss, Ashlyn (Rusty) Staats, Zack Vantrease, Bryson (Emily) Watts, Brandon and Brady Watts. Great Grandchildren: Selah and Noah Whitten, Adaya and Libby Saxon, Ensley, Emarie and Jackson Moss, Grady and Wrenley Harvey, and future great grandchild, Adeline Watts.

Kenneth proudly served his country in the US Army, 2 years on active duty and 6 years in inactive Ready Reserves. He was a lifelong educator; as a teacher and principal. He retired after more than 36 years of service, leaving behind a legacy defined by kindness, integrity, and an unshakeable belief in the potential of young people. Though he will be deeply missed, the impact of his life’s work will continue in the generations of students, educators and families who were shaped by his leadership. He was a member of First Church of the Nazarene in Lebanon, TN.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 at Hunter Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Wilson and Wayne Hall officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. till service time on Thursday.

Pallbearers – Kendal Watts, Joe Saxon, Paul Vantrease, Zack Vantrease, Daniel Saxon, Bryson Watts, Brandon Watts, Brady Watts.

Honorary Pallbearers – Terry Vantrease, Caleb Whitten, Dustin Harvey, Ethan Moss, Rusty Staats, Tommy Selby.

Interment with Military Honors will follow at Hunter Memorial Park.