John Wesley Watters

John Wesley “Pipe” Watters, age 87, of Bel Air, MD, passed away on January 10, 2021, at Brightview Senior Living of Bel Air. He was the son of John Wesley Watters and Mildred (Jackson) Watters Dorsey.

As a young boy John attended the Bel Air Colored School and Central Consolidated School in Bel Air, Maryland. In 1952, John enrolled at North Carolina Central University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. While there he joined the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. It was at NCCU that he met his wife of 63 years, Della Handy Watters.
Following college, he worked at Aberdeen Proving Grounds as a chemist, mathematician, and instructor. His job allowed him to travel to many cities in the U.S. as well as several other countries. He retired from Aberdeen Proving Grounds in 1989.

John loved his family, music, and sports (especially the Baltimore Colts, Orioles and Ravens). He was outstanding at football, baseball, and track. As fate would have it, he went out on a high note as the now Indianapolis Colts lost and the Baltimore Ravens won to start the NFL playoffs.

He was very active in the community and coached many Bel Air Boys Parks and Recreation teams in football, baseball, and basketball with great success. John also played saxophone in the Bel Air Community Band.

He was modest, humble, and maintained a great sense of humor. He enjoyed his life to the fullest and will truly be missed.

He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and a friend to many.

John is survived by his daughter, Deirdre (Fernando) Watters Perry-Baden; four sons, John (Michelle) Wesley Watters III, Jeffrey (Sheila) Winfred Watters, Jerome (Teresa) Wendell Watters, James (Vanessa) Warrenell Watters; brother-in-law, Dennis Dorsey; nephew, Dennis Dorsey Jr. (Tessa); grandchildren, John, Michael, Jeffrey, Dequinne, Jonathan, Amanda, Ashley, Chase, Sophia, Joshua; great grandchildren, Asher and John Perry II.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Della Handy Watters and his sister, Mildred (Snookie) Dorsey.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's and Dementia charity of your choice.