Emra Watts

Frank Watts, 71, of Spartanburg, SC, died Saturday, March 19, 2016, at Spartanburg Hospital for Restorative Care. Born September 8, 1944, in Conway, SC, he was the son of the late Emra Francis Watts, Sr. and Nina Rae Dunn Watts. For 46 years, he was married to Mary Ellen Dowling Watts of Spartanburg. A 1962 graduate of Conway High School, Mr. Watts attended Wofford College of Business 1962-1965 and Augusta College for Accounting 1966. Frank began his banking career in 1967 as an Auditor with C&S National Bank of Georgia and continued later as an Audit Officer with SCN Bank, serving both in Columbia and Greenville. During this time, he earned the professional designation Chartered Bank Auditor by the Bank Administration Institute and Certified Internal Auditor by the Institute of Internal Auditors. Later, he served as Chief Operations Officer at financial institutions in the Spartanburg area. Changing careers he entered the insurance industry, retiring for health reasons around 1995. Frank was a very strong supporter of the Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce. He was a volunteer, board member, and vice president. He was active for over ten years and a major sponsor of the Chamber concerts in the park. He initiated the Good Citizen Award for Banner Elk Elementary School 5th graders. He was a trusted advisor of local businesses and tourist involved enterprises. He also served on boards of POA's at White's Mill in Spartanburg, the Farm, and Crooked Creek in Banner Elk. His love of the people in Banner Elk, his contributions, and presence about town will be dearly missed. Mr. Watts will lie in state from 1:00-1:45 PM Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at First Presbyterian Church, 393 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29302. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM, at the church, conducted by The Rev. Dr. Tom Evans, The Rev. Joanne Hull, and The Rev. Houston Matthews. The family will receive friends following the service in the church Parlor. Memorials may be made to Spartanburg First Presbyterian Church, 393 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302; Spartanburg Community College Foundation, The Frank and Mary Watts Dental Scholarship Fund, or The Julian and Betty Williams Nursing Scholarship Fund, PO Box 4386, Spartanburg, SC 29305; Banner Elk Presbyterian Church, PO Box 158, Banner Elk, NC 28604; Banner Elk Chamber of Commerce, 100 Main Street West, Banner Elk, NC 28604. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Emra Frank Watts please visit our Sympathy Store.