Christopher Columbus Watts Jr.

Christopher Columbus Watts Jr., the eldest of five children was born to Christopher, Sr. and Vivian Watts on October 22, 1935 in Portsmouth, Virginia, who have predeceased him as well as his brother Russell Watts and sister Vivian Watts. To his family and closest friends, he was known as “Sonny Boy.” Christopher departed this life on Friday, December 10th at Community Medical Center in Toms River, New Jersey.

Christopher met Evelyn in early 1957 and they married on September 28, 1957. To this union were born two daughters, Paula L. Watts and Debra M. Watts. Christopher was a great family man. He took pride in taking care of his family. He was a stickler for paying his bills weeks before they were due. He never wanted to owe anyone, and likewise, he never wanted anyone to owe him!

Christopher retired from the US Navy after 25 years of honorable service. Within the same week of retiring from the US Navy, he became a Manchester Township police officer where he served another 25 years.

Christopher just loved motorcycles. He purchased his first one with money he had saved when he was about 13 years old. Because of that love, he was called C.C. Rider. He rode a Harley Davidson until he was in his 70s. He also enjoyed seasonal hunting with his neighbor John Edwards. Christopher was a generous sponsor to the Nature Conservancy as well as the NJ PBA Association. He was also a world traveler, having spent several years living with his wife and daughters in Sicily. Christopher would tell his grandkids stories of his ventures abroad, quizzing them on geography, language and world history. Even into his late years, Christopher continued learning. He was quite fond of his iPad; researching, taking pictures and perusing social media in his spare time.

Christopher leaves his wife, Evelyn, of 64 years to cherish his memories along with his two daughters Paula and Debra; his seven grandchildren, Yuhannes, Hanif, Meriam, Nurah, Omar, Yusif, and Safiyah and nine great grandchildren; his beloved brother and family Webster Watts, wife Alma and daughters Gwendolyn and Candice of Ossining, New York; his beloved brother Milton Watts of Portsmouth, Virginia; his sister and brother-in-law Brenda and Ralph Joyner and son Aljamont of Holly Springs, North Carolina; his sister-in-law Carrie Verdena Coefield and children, Jimmy (Pam), Dena and Gwendolyn; his sons-in-law Ibrahim, Alim and Sadik, and his card playing buddies, the Lawson young men and Darrell Payne and many other dear relatives, friends and neighbors. He will be missed dearly. His memory and sense of humor will live on.