Elbert (Bruce) Watts

Elbert "Bruce" Watts, of Joshua, TX passed away on September 21, 2025 surrounded by his family.

Bruce was born on November 2, 1955 in Big Springs, TX. He was the eldest child of Elbert Watts, Jr. and Mary Helen Smith. He spent his summers helping his grandfather on the OEK Ranch in Bradshaw, TX. Bruce left home at 14 with nothing, and built a happy life for himself and his family. As a teen Bruce enjoyed bowling, and in 1973 he met Sharon Rice at Wedgewood Bowling Alley. She turned down his first request for a date, but later let him take her to prom. The two were married on February 9, 1974. Together they raised two sons; Elbert Bruce, Jr. and Randy Watts.

Bruce and Sharon continued bowling, and he won a gold ring for bowling a perfect 300. He also enjoyed attending craft fairs where he and Sharon sold hand made wooden yard art. Everyone knew never to bet against Bruce when he offered "everything in his wallet." Bruce was a machinist at heart and took pride in his work with printing presses at Harris Graphics. He also raised honeybees on his homestead in Joshua, as well as on his farm in Abilene, TX.

The farm was his favorite place, and he loved going there to hunt and fish with his sons and grandchildren.

Bruce was preceded in death by his father Elbert Watts, Jr. and mother Mary Smith, and his grandfather Oren Erastus Kendrick.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sharon Watts; son Bruce (Heather) of Joshua; son Randy (Tammy) of Joshua, sister Terrie Boling, brothers Brad Watts and Gillie Watts; grandchildren Trey (Andriah), Kody, Aden, Mikel, Rylee, Evan, and Aaron; great-grandchildren Braxton and Hadley, great-nephew Kaden, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.