Lester James Watts

Mr. Lester James Watts, 99, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at his home.

A funeral service is scheduled for 1:00 pm Friday, January 9, 2026, at North Kannapolis Baptist Church. Rev. Timothy Brown and Rev. James Pauley will officiate. Interment will follow at Carolina Memorial Park in Kannapolis.

The family will receive friends from 12 to 12:45 pm Friday at North Kannapolis Baptist Church.

Mr. Watts was born June 11, 1926 in Iredell County. He was a son of the late Charles Washington Watts and Judy Brookshire Watts. Mr. Watts was a member of North Kannapolis Baptist Church. He was a WWII Veteran, having served in the Navy. Mr. Watts then owned and operated Motor More Lawn Mower Service for 25 years before selling it to his nephew. After his retirement, he loved to travel with his wife, fishing at the Outer Banks of NC. They also enjoyed dancing with their group, the Kannoneers Western Square Dance, traveling, fine cuisine, and staying at their Lake Norman home.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Eloise Christy Watts; second wife, Edith Slate Watts; three sisters, Lucille Phillips, Edna Hatch, and Ruby Furr; and a granddaughter, Kelly Watts.

Mr. Watts is survived by daughter, Bonnie Goodnight and husband Bill; son, Bill E. Watts, both of Kannapolis; two grandchildren, April Beach and husband Randy, and Debra Dandro and husband Jim; three great grandchildren, Blake Beach, Bradley Beach, and Miranda McClamrock; five great-great grandchildren, Kymber Beach, Kailey Beach, Caroline Beach, Tilly McClamrock, and Ivy McClamrock; and his dear friend, Kay Kiser.

Memorials may be sent to North Kannapolis Baptist Church, 312 Locust Street, Kannapolis, NC 28081.