Oliver Earl "Buster" Watts
January 22, 1936 ~ February 25, 2019
Resided in:
Candler, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailOliver Earl “Buster” Watts, 83, of Candler, passed away Monday, February 25, 2019 at Aston Park Health Care Center.
A native of Buncombe Co., Buster was a son of the late Oliver Orville Watts and Ella Jay Banks Watts. He was also preceded in death by his son, Oliver Earl Watts, Jr., and his sister, Billie Irene Radcliff.
Buster was a graduate of Lee Edwards High School (1955) and Blanton’s Business College. He served in the Naval Reserves and the U.S. Army. He retired as Captain from the Asheville Fire Department after 30 years of service.
Buster was a member of West Asheville Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and choir member. He was also a former member of Grace Baptist Church, where he was a deacon, choir member, sang with the Impact Singers, and was a youth leader. Buster was an ABCCM volunteer, and a faithful visitor of shut-ins for both churches. He was also an avid golfer, and especially loved playing golf with his best friend, the late Don Felmet.
Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Julia “Judy” Watts; daughters, Debbie Ward and husband Larry, and Janet Marin and husband Allen; grandchildren, Brittany and Jake Meehan, Hunter Ward, Isabella Marin, and Jackson Marin; great-grandchildren, Peyton and Cooper Meehan; and sister, Frances Gossett.
A celebration of his life will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 4, at West Asheville Baptist Church, with the Rev. Dr. Stan Welch officiating. The Asheville Fire Department will provide firefighter honors. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, prior to the service.
Graveside services with Military Honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at Green Hills Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Western Carolina Chapter, 4600 Park Rd. Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28209; and/or to the West Asheville Baptist Church Youth Department, 926 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family.
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Judy, you and your family are in my prayers. Buster was one of the sweetest people I’ve had the pleasure of taken care of.
Dear Judy and family, My heart goes out to you and your family in your loss but know Buster is walking hand in hand withour precious Lord now and is perfect again, , would love to be there but do not drive anymore and Gus is in a nursing facility in Clayton, Ga, with alzheimers, we moved here to Franklin almost two years ago so our children could look after us, it has been a blessing, they take me to see Gus every few days. I am happy that Busters journey from this terrible disease is over and he is in a wonderfull place, with regards Shirley Colagerakis
The world lost a amazing person. Your family is in my prayers. Just know he left a trail of beautiful memories
Judy, I only knew Buster while he was in Aston Park but what a sweet, gentle spirit he was. He always responded to a smile with a hearty smile of his own. I will miss seeing him when I’m with Janet and miss my lunchtime conversations with you. We became a family. But like we talked about on Saturday, he is in a much better place now and singing away. I wish I could have heard him sing. I can only imagine how good he was. Your are in my thoughts and prayers.
Judy, you and Buster were such a blessing to us. I remember years ago cutting up during choir practice with him. You are in our prayers and will be for times to come. Let us know if you need anything at all. We love you!
Janet, Debbie, Judy and family,
May God be with each of you during this time of grief. Even though we know our loved ones are walking hand in hand with our savior it is still hard for us to get used to them being gone from their earthly home. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that you will see your dear one again one day. God bless all of you.
Cheryl and Butch Jones
Please accept my condolences. May you find comfort in the fond memories of your loved one. The Bible also offers words of comfort during times of bereavement. 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4 states ‘God will comfort us in all our trials.’?
Judy and families my heart grieves with you and rejoices at the same time. Buster is at peace and whole now. God will see each of you through this difficult time. He will never leave you or forsake you. God is good.
Judy and family , What a sad loss to you ,his family,church coumminty and friends.He was a special man.I was Blessed to have known Buster and worked with him many years. He was blessed to have a supportive family and friends. I will always remember Buster an that big smile on his face.And I know it is even bigger and brighter now
Judy, You are in my prayers as you face this new journey. You have been a good friend and I always enjoyed talking with you and have enjoyed the Jesus Calling devotional book you gave me when my husband passed away. My love and prayers to you.
Judy and family we are so sorry for ur loss of Buster.He was such a strong willed Christian man.So sweet loving generous man always talking to everyone he came in contact with and that smile was contagious.He will be greatly missed I thank God he is in no more pain he is celebrating in heaven.Our thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of you we love you all very much if we can do anything please let us know .Its so hard trust me I know but I know God is good and he will never let you down .