David Lee Watts, age 79, of Collinsville, IL, born March 22, 1942 in Belleville, IL, passed away on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL.

David retired from Norfolk Southern Railway.  He proudly served in the U.S. Army as an engineer.  He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and Fraternal Order of the Eagles.  He was lovingly known as "Uncle Dave" as well as his great sense of humor and quick wit.  He loved pranks and to make people laugh.  He was a gun enthusiast, loved fishing, old country music, was an avid poker player, and enjoyed card and trivia parties with family and friends.  In his earlier years, he enjoyed golfing and camping.  His true joy was the love of his life and best friend, his wife, Carolyn, who he dearly adored and loved taking trips and adventures with.  He always put his family first and took great pride being a husband, father and paw paw to his four beautiful granddaughters. David made a mark on everyone he encountered with his warm and friendly personality. He will be dearly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mabel (nee Moore) Watts; a sister, Carol Steinberg; and a son, James David Watts.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carolyn (nee Checinski) Watts, whom he married November 4, 1967; daughter, Jessica Jackson of Edwardsville, IL; four granddaughters:  Grace Jackson, Gwen Jackson, Addison Jackson and Reece Jackson; brother, Edward (Sharon) Watts of Smithton, IL; sister, Esther (Gaylon) Harper of Washington, MO; numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a public visitation from 3 - 6 p.m. on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, IL with Military rites at 6 p.m.  Masks are required to be worn while in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family and will be received during the visitation or can be mailed to the funeral home at 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.