Lewis Field Watts

Lewis Field Watts Sr. was called home to be with the Lord on October 31st, 2023. He was born June 14th, 1933, in Charlotte, North Carolina to the late Porter F. Watts & Minnie L. Watts who passed when he was 14 years old. He was also preceded in death by his stepmother, Iola Watts and his wife, Leslie Mae Watts.

He was raised in Brooklyn, NY where he attended public schools graduating from Franklin K. Lane High School in 1951. After high school Lewis enlisted into the United States Air Force. He initially worked as an airplane engine mechanic and later was promoted to Crew Chief. After his initial enlistment was completed, he joined the Air Force Reserves and was trained to be a Flight Engineer. Lewis served in support of combat missions overseas and by the end of his career had traveled extensively throughout the world retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant and Chief Flight Engineer for 335th Military Airlift Squadron. He earned a National Defense Service Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal.

Lewis worked as an airport engine mechanic for Pan Am Airlines until he obtained employment with the NYC Fire Department in September 1957. He endured rigors and dangers during his 25 years of dedicated service as a Fireman until he retired from the Fire Department in 1982. After his retirement from NYC Fire Dept., he worked for New York State for 8 years inspecting Day Care Centers to ensure they met the Fire Code Standards.

Lewis was raised in Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, and after marriage he joined Brooks Memorial Methodist Church and then the Greater Allen AME Cathedral. After moving to Williamsburg Va., he joined the New Zion Baptist Church where he served as a member of the Senior Choir and Men’s Choir. He was a man of strong faith, and he faithfully supported the church and many charities.

He leaves to cherish his memory his three sons, Ronald (Dorothy) of Atlanta, Ga, Anthony (Pat) of Uniondale, NY and Lewis Watts Jr of the Bronx, NY. His grandchildren, Candiace Dillard-Bassett (Chris), Chris Watts, Crystal Watts, Talim Watts, Kiara Watts & Aisha Watts. He was a family man who loved his children and grandchildren dearly. He is also survived by his brother-in- law Elvin Wright Sr. of Suffolk Va.; sisters-in-laws, Mary Scott & Debra Gibbs of Boston Mass. He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. All who knew him will miss his eternal optimism, his sense of humor and his hearty laugh.

A visitation for Lewis will be held Friday, November 10, 2023, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at New Zion Baptist Church, 3991 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, Virginia. A service will occur Friday, November 10, 2023, at 1:00 PM, 3991 Longhill Road, Williamsburg, Virginia. An interment with military honors will occur Friday, December 1, 2023, at 1:00 PM at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, Virginia.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com for the Watts family.