Charles "Charlie" Ray Watts, 84, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born to Lewis William Watts and Gladys Marie Watts on February 21, 1942, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was raised in Oil City, Louisiana and graduated from North Caddo High School in 1960. He married the love of his life, Sunny, on September 2, 1961. He attended McNeese State University, where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in chemistry. He later earned a master's degree in physics from Louisiana State University.

A member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Charlie enjoyed an accomplished career with Nalco Exxon for nearly 30 years. Following his retirement, he became a Master Builder, founded Built Green Custom Homes, and spent nearly 25 years helping hundreds of families build their dream homes. He was also an active member of the Greater Houston Builders Association. Today, the work Charlie began at Built Green Custom Homes continues under the leadership of his family, carrying on the legacy of excellence and service that Charlie
established.

Charlie was a man of deep faith and a beloved member of Northway Church in The Woodlands, Texas. While living in Port Arthur, Texas, he served as a deacon at Trinity Baptist Church. He was also a proud member of the Scottish Rite Freemasons. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, and woodworking.

Charlie's positivity and enthusiasm lit up every room he entered, and he never met a stranger. Friends, fellow church members, colleagues, clients, and even those he had only just met were drawn to his genuine interest in others. He had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, known, and valued.

And more than anything, Charlie loved his family. They were his greatest accomplishment, far surpassing any educational or professional achievement. He treasured his wife and the life they built in their nearly 65 years of marriage. He loved his son and daughter unconditionally and without demand. He delighted in watching his grandkids play football and basketball, climb mountains, excel academically, and chase and achieve their own goals and dreams. In his eyes, they were number one at everything they did. In his final days, one of his greatest joys was watching his great-grandchildren laugh and play on the playground he had built in his own backyard. Through his love, faith, work-ethic, dedication, and example, he built a legacy that will live on for generations to come.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lewis William Watts; his mother, Gladys Marie Watts; and his brothers, Lewis Watts Jr. and Harold Watts. He is survived by his cherished wife of nearly 65 years, Sunny Watts; his children, Charles "Chuck" Ray Watts Jr. and Theresa (Greg) Janecek; his grandchildren, Bryson (Lizzy) Janecek, Alex (Chris) Ryan, Braydon (Sydney) Janecek, and Peyton Janecek; and his great-grandchildren, Dax, Nyssa, West, Ella, and Aurora, as well as Dakota Janecek, who is expected to arrive in October.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Charlie's honor. A memorial service will be held at Northway Church on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 3pm.