Frederick William Watts III

Frederick William Watts III, currently of Deltona, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, surrounded by love.

Fred was born on November 8, 1946, in Newton, Massachusetts, to Frederick William Watts Jr. and Ruth Aseltine Watts. He was raised in Natick, Massachusetts.

He graduated from Natick High School in 1964 and went on to attend Barrington College, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 1968. From 1968 to 1970, Fred served in the Peace Corps, where he was stationed in Fiji. This formative experience deeply shaped his worldview, strengthening his commitment to service, compassion, and global understanding.

On August 21, 1971, following his return from Fiji, Fred married Dale Saunders Watts, of Wellesley, Massachusetts. Together they built a life anchored in commitment to Christ, perseverance, and family.

Fred later pursued theological education, completing a Master of Theological Studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 1976.

Answering a call to ministry, Fred served as a youth pastor in Syracuse, New York, from 1977 to 1979. From there, he moved his family to New Milford, Connecticut, where he became Senior Pastor of the First New Milford Baptist Church, serving faithfully from 1979 through 1985.

In 1985, Fred moved his family to Florida, where his calling expanded into education, ministry, and community service. He taught at Trinity Academy at Trinity Assembly of God in Deltona and later served as an educator at Tomoka Correctional Institution. He also served as a professor of World Religion and World History at Daytona State, where he was known for his thoughtful instruction, global perspective, and deep respect for students from all walks of life.

Throughout his years in Florida, Fred continued to serve faithfully in ministry, holding multiple roles within his church and actively serving the broader community. His life reflected a steady commitment to teaching, pastoral care, and walking alongside others in seasons of growth and transition.

In the last year of his life, following his initial stroke, Fred continued to find joy and peace in ministering to others. Despite personal hardship and physical challenges, his heart for encouragement, prayer, and service remained steadfast, offering comfort and faith to those around him.

In recent years, Fred was deeply blessed by his participation in a Sunday school life group, which he and Dale attended regularly. This community became a meaningful source of encouragement, fellowship, and spiritual support.

In retirement, Fred found joy in building his own eBay business, selling items to people around the world-most notably sports patches, which became something of his signature. If you knew Fred, there is a good chance you received a patch of one kind or another.

He also cherished time spent camping with his family, planning trips to the mountains and other destinations, always with the intention of being together. Some of his greatest joy came from time spent with his children and grandchildren.

A devoted sports fan, Fred followed his teams with enthusiasm and loyalty. His teams of choice included the Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins, New England Patriots, and the Florida Gators.

Fred was a loving husband to Elinor Dale Saunders Watts, and a devoted father of six children: Meredith Watts (Orange City, Florida); David Watts (Sophia, West Virginia); Andrew Watts (DeLand, Florida); Nathaniel Watts (Orange City, Florida) and his wife Amanda; Jonathan Watts (Sanford, Florida) and his wife Lee; and Elizabeth Watts (Minneapolis, Minnesota).

He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren: Thomas McBroom; Mattea "Taya" McBroom; Levi McBroom, serving in the United States Navy, stationed in Japan; Meriah "Riah" McBroom; Madeline "Maddi" Watts; Lucy Watts; Harrison "Harry" Watts; Eloise "Ellie" Watts; and Charles "Charlie" Watts.

Fred is survived by his sisters Martha Davies, of Malden, Massachusetts, and Linda Watts, of Malden, Massachusetts. Though separated by geography for much of their adult lives, they shared a deep and enduring bond, and Fred made it a priority to visit them as often as possible.

He is also survived by his brother-in-law Gordon Saunders, of Colorado, and his wife Caryl.

Fred shared an especially close and meaningful relationship with his nephews Stephan Saunders, his wife Meaghan, and their children, and Daniel Saunders, both of Daytona Beach, Florida. He is further survived by his nieces and nephews Spencer Baker, of Lithia, Florida, and his children; Katie Hunt and Lacey Winebrenner, of Daytona Beach, Florida, and their children; Jason Saunders, of Colorado, and his children; Jeremy Saunders, of Colorado, his wife Kristiann Saunders, and their children; and Nathan Gary, of Hawaii, his wife Jen, and their children.

He is also survived by his cousins Melissa O'Rourke of Westminster, South Carolina and Cheryl Murphy of Hudson, Massachusetts.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick William Watts Jr. and Ruth Aseltine Watts; his beloved brother-in-law Wayne Saunders, father of Stephan and Daniel Saunders; his sister-in-law Dianne Saunders Gary; his in-laws Walter Saunders and Elinor Saunders; and his niece Jennifer Gary Baker, daughter of Dianne Saunders Gary.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Fred's caregivers, who were with him every day, faithfully and compassionately, all the way until the end. They held a very special place in his heart and in the hearts of his family, and their kindness and devotion will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Deltona Alliance Church Sharing Table.