Douglas Lee Watts

KERNERSVILLE - Rev. Douglas Lee Watts, 72, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2026 at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home. Doug was born on October 8, 1953 in Forsyth County to Frank and June Brown Watts.

Shortly after graduating from East Forsyth High School in 1971, Doug married the love of his life, Beverley Freeman Watts. He continued his education at High Point University and worked with Service America Food Service as their District Manager for 20 years. Doug and Beverley shared a strong love for Christ, which led him to a career change in 1999, with the United Methodist Church. Doug quickly realized that his love for people and serving in ministry gave him endless opportunities to share his talents with his church families, youth, and many organizations. A few years into his ministry, Doug chose to attend Pfeiffer University, earning his Masters of Christian Education in 2002.

He had endless energy when it came to helping plan and prepare meaningful worship services, mission trips for youth groups, special outings, trips for Seniors, and so much more. At the core of all of this, was his determination to minister to all those around him, enhance worship experiences, share and show his love for Christ in the churches he served, as well as the community. Doug is currently a member at Stokesdale United Methodist Church.

Doug and Beverley, together, also brought the love of Christ into the lives of many students – opening their home to seven Exchange Students over the years – all of which have remained an active part of their lives. And we can’t forget the thousands of children who received annual Christmas blessings from Mr. and Mrs. Claus (Doug & Bev) at numerous holiday gatherings for over 25 years.

Even as Doug’s health presented physical challenges, he remained active as long as possible with remote worship service planning and a wonderful card ministry from his home.

In addition to his parents, Doug was preceded in death by his sister, Kathy Brown; and his brother-in-law, Ron Freeman.

Surviving are his wife of almost 54 years, Beverley Watts; his sister-in-law, Lupe Freeman of NV; and a niece, Sonya Van Fleet of CO. Also surviving are Doug’s God children, Daniel Billingsley (Amy), Tina Gaines (John), Leigh Anne Prugh (Jim), and their families; along with Kimberlee Brady and Denny Henderson; their Exchange Students, Hilde Mangersnes (Wilhelm), Helen Ekizean (Mats), Andy Steinsvik, Maria Westlund (Peter), Elisabeth Stensland, Mattias Lysell, David Piros, and their families – ALL of whom held special places in Doug’s heart; his aunt Alma Watts Alley; uncle, George Watts (Sylvia); aunts, Ruth Watts and Janie Watts; and many special friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 2, 2026 at Stokesdale United Methodist Church with Rev. Ed McKinney, Rev. Donna Friddle and Rev. Laura Lee Jones officiating. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. at Parklawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, at Hayworth-Miller Kernersville Chapel.

For a Livestream of the service go to https://www.youtube.com/@stokesdaleumc or www.facebook.com/stokesdaleumc 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stokesdale United Methodist Church – Beyond Fund, PO Box 38, Stokesdale, NC 27357.