John Watts Jr.

Surrounded by his loving family, John T. “Tommy” Watts Jr. passed away peacefully Monday March 4, 2024.Tommy Watts grew up in Chattanooga where he was a standout athlete in football, basketball, and baseball at Red Bank High School and went on to marry his high school sweetheart Shirley Greer Watts, the 1957 Red Bank Homecoming Queen. They were married for 65 years. Though he attended Tennessee Tech, he was a lifelong Tennessee Volunteer fan. Early in his career he could be found working the parts counter at Honest Charley’s but for 37 years he was dedicated to his work at Southern Champion Tray. Nothing defined his life more than his unselfish love of and support for his family. Early on, he worked multiple jobs to provide for his children. He would always do without to make sure they did not. The same held true for his grandchildren, whom he adored.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Mary Hardy Watts and his sister Edna Watts Bouchillon.

Tommy is survived by his wife Shirley Greer Watts. Children-Johnny (Kim) Watts, Jeff (Brigitte) Watts and Kim (Zach) Wamp; Grandchildren Jeffrey (Jade) Watts, Jessica Watts Thode, Blake (Ally) Watts, Cody Gabehart, the late Paige Gabehart, Robin (Garrett) Bull, County Mayor Weston (Shelby) Wamp and District Attorney Coty Wamp. Tommy leaves a great legacy through 14 great grandchildren.

Funeral services for Mr. Watts will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, March 7th at 10:00 am at Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel, Hixson with Mayor Weston Wamp officiating. Interment will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.The family thanks the staff at Life Care Center-Hixson for their love and care. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation at Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com