Walter Norman "Pete" Watts

Asheville – Walter Norman “Pete” Watts, 84, died peacefully on Thursday, September 10, 2020 at AdventHealth Hendersonville following complications of diabetes. A native of Buncombe County, he was the son of the late Cages and Katherine Watts. Pete graduated from Lee Edwards High School class of 1955. He played in the 1954 Shrine Bowl, was an NC All Star, and was on the All American Football Team. He attended Wake Forest University for a semester before joining the U.S. Marine Corps. Pete served 25 years in the Marine Corps with tours in Vietnam. During his service he received many awards including: Pistol Sharpshooters Badge, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Rifle Marksmanship Badge, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation, Cross of Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Mast, Gallantry National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He retired in 1980 and came back home. Following retirement from the Marine Corps he worked with the U.S. Forest Service as a purchasing agent until retirement in 2000. Retired Master Sergeant Watts was a member of the Marine Corps League, Detachment 1417 of which he was a Past Commandant. Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Betsy Stroup Watts; son, David and daughter, Beth both of Asheville; paternal aunt, Madie Hawkins and many cousins. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Monday, September 14, 2020 in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1 till 2 PM on Monday at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: the Marine Corps League Detachment 1417, C/O Paymaster, Janice Jackson, 156 Poplar Loop Dr, Flat Rock, NC 28731.