Jerry Ray Watts, 63, of Maiden, NC, passed away on January 25th, 2022 due to complications of COVID-19. He went peacefully surrounded by loved ones who will miss him greatly. Jerry was born in February of 1958 to John and Marlene Watts. He grew up in Maiden, NC with brothers Joel & Jeff, and sister Joy. At the age of 16, Jerry began working in construction with his father and quickly showed a high level of talent and enjoyment for work. He was a fierce competitor that loved sports playing football, basketball, baseball, and softball throughout his life. He graduated from Maiden High School and became the first member of his family to complete college. He received a Bachelor's in Business Administration from Catawba College. After college, Jerry spent time at Hickory Construction, then settled in at present-day Armacell in Conover, NC. He became one of the first employees at the facility to complete the Apprentice Maintenance Mechanics program after 8000 hours of on-the-job training and 500 hours of coursework from CVCC. In his 36 years at the facility, Jerry rose through the ranks to serve as Maintenance Manager for the plant. He retired from Armacell as the World-Class Manufacturing Coordinator for Conover and other regional facilities. Even in retirement, Jerry could not stay away from his Armacell family, working on special projects up until the time of his illness. Jerry spent his time outside of work on the farm machining parts, fixing equipment, and maintaining the grounds and livestock. He enjoyed gardening, supporting local area sports, riding his Harley’s, and watching his kids grow up. Jerry is survived by: his son Craig Watts, daughter Leah Shaw and husband Cody Shaw, girlfriend Bette Sites and daughter Michelle Sites, father John Watts and wife Janice Watts, brother Jeff Watts, wife Valerie, and son Davis, sister Joy Bebber, husband Michael, and sons Seth and Nolan. He also leaves behind his beloved companions Dallas, Hank, and Vern. Jerry was preceded in death by his mother Marlene Watts and his brother Joel Watts. A service to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Bennett Funeral Service, 7878 NC Hwy 16, Newton. Burial will follow at Maiden Municipal Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. at Bennett Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Conover School Special Needs Group, 108 7th St. PL SW, Conover, NC 28613 Condolences may be sent to the Watts family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com The Watts family is in the care of Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, 828-465-2111