Jesse Watts

Mar 30, 1940 -

May 16, 2020

Jesse Fred Watts, age 80, of Cumming, Ga., passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2020. Mr. Watts was a United States Air Force Veteran, teacher in both Nome and Cordova, Alaska, helped map the state of Alaska with the Land Management Division, ironworker on the trans-Alaska pipeline as well as buildings in Atlanta, Ga., and Anchorage, Alaska, copper wire sculptor, and an all-around Renaissance man.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Myrtle Watts; and brothers, Bill Watts and Jerry Watts.

Jesse is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Merilee Watts; sons and daughters-in-law, Josh and Lori Watts of Anchorage and Justin and Nerine Watts of Cumming; siblings, Comell and Joseph Moore of Johns Creek, Ga., Betsy Henson of Cumming, John and Somchit Watts of Talkeetna, Alaska, Art Watts and Kay Bathe of Tampa, Fla., Susie Holmberg of Sugar Hill, Ga., and Debbie and Jack Crimmings of Berlin, Wis.; granddaughters, Chloe Watts, Amira Chettfour and Dehbia Watts and her fiance Brent Jones; and great-granddaughter, Peyton Tilton.

A memorial service will be held at a later date and Mr. Watts will be inurned at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Ga. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Fla. Care and trust placed in McDonald and Son Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040; www.mcdonaldandson.com; 770-886-9899.