Willie R. Watts

The Life and Legacy of Willie R. Watts

Willie R. Watts, age 79, of Toledo, Ohio, was summoned by Almighty God, the Commander in Chief of the Universe, to take flight and make his transition from Earth to Heaven to be with the Lord, on January 6th, 2024 at 3:39 p.m. at his residence surrounded by his family.

Willie was born on December 24th 1944, the third son of eleven boys to the union of Henry C. Watts and Geneva (Houston) Watts in Roanoke, (Randolph County) Alabama.

Willie was educated in Roanoke public schools. As a young man, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia and resided with his Aunt, Lera Longshore (deceased). While living in Atlanta, he was employed at a meat packing company. Willie relocated to Toledo, Ohio in 1969 to be near his mother and brothers. He was employed at the Toledo Pickling and Steel Processing Company as a Machine Operator and served as a Union Steward under Teamsters Local 20 for a number of years. His final employment was with Laborer's Local 500 International Union, where he retired in 1994 due to a work-related injury.

Willie began his journey with Christ at an early age at Rocky Mount United Methodist Church in Roanoke. After relocating to Toledo, Willie rededicated his life to Christ, by being baptized and united with New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in August 1983 while under the leadership of the late Rev. Melvin L. Wilson. He was active in many church functions and served on the trustee board for a number of years. Willie was always willing to do his share in helping the church and went above and beyond the call of duty because of Christ. He attended services faithfully until his health began to fail and could no longer attend. His hobbies before his illness were gardening, fishing, hunting, taking his daily walks, BBQing, and keeping his cars CLEAN.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Geneva Watts, daughters Trina and Michelle Smith, six brothers, Charlie, Earnest, Leon, Tony, Edward and Adrian, along with a host of aunts, uncles, and other family members.

Willie leaves to treasure his memory his loving, devoted wife and caregiver of 38 years, Lorene Watts, daughter, Jacqueline Smith of Columbus, OH; son Carlos L. Robinson of Toledo, OH; thirteen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brothers: Thomas (Darsene), Bobby (Lynette) Gilbert, James (Vivian); Sister-in-Law, Jeanette Watts (Edward, deceased), all of Toledo, OH; Sister-in-law, Florence Watts (Charlie, deceased) of Wedowee, AL; Sister Friend, Mary A. Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loving family and friends along with his New Hope Church Family.

I, Lorene, would like to personally acknowledge Regina Hill, Babbie Patton, and Lolita Nicks for the outstanding care that you provided for Willie during his illness. I could not have did it without God and your help! I love you and thank you! Also, to my Sister's in Christ; Mrs. Kathleen Stewart and family of Sylvania, OH, and Mrs. Willie Johnson of Smyrna, GA, for keeping the family lifted up in prayer. May God bless you abundantly. Lastly, I thank Dr. Youssef Hazimah, Dr. Thomas Smallwood, Chaplin Gregory Roberts, and the entire staff and team at Parrish Palliative and Hospice Care for the awesome service that was provided for Willie and myself. Your labor of love and dedication will not go unnoticed by God! I thank you, thank you, thank you!

The family will receive guests Friday, January 12, 2024 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home Southwest Chapel, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd (419-381-1900). Funeral Services will begin Saturday, January 13, 2024 at 10:30 am. at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 833 Nesslewood Ave in Toledo with a visitation at the church from 10:00 a.m. to service time. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Historic Cemetery, Toledo.

To share a memory of Willie or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.