Obituary of Charles Randolph Watts

Charles Randolph Watts Sr. was born in Johns Hopkins Hospital on November 21, 1922 to the late Mable Morgan. He went to his heavenly reward on October 14, 2021. For the first thirteen years of his life he was reared by Jessie and Mary Watts. After their death, Charles lived with his maternal aunt and grandparents. Charles was a man of faith, committed to God, and dedicated to his family and friends. He was baptized at First Baptist Church in east Baltimore where he served on the Youth Usher Board. Later in life he joined Gethsemane Baptist Church, then Manna Bible Baptist Church. At Manna Bible Baptist Church he served on the Trustee Board. A product of the Baltimore School System, Charles matriculated at Dunbar High School. After graduation he married Esther Jewell Williams in 1942. Four children-Charles Jr. (who preceded him in death), Gwendolyn, Bernard and Wayne- were born to this union. After his first wife's death, Charles joined Whitestone Baptist Church where he served as Vice President of the Usher Board and was active in the men's ministry. He met and married Rev. Wilhelmina Spears Watts on November 12, 1988. He later joined Rising Sun First Baptist Church. For a time, Charles worked as a longshoreman. He subsequently joined the Marines and was one of the famed Montford Point Marines. They were the first African-Americans to enlist in the U.S. Marines after President Roosevelt signed an executive Order establishing fair employment practices. He served from 1944-1946. After his discharge, Charles worked at Glen L. Martin Aircraft Company until they shut down. He then went on to work as a mail carrier for the federal Department of Health, Education and Welfare. A determined hard worker, he later got the position of Cabinet Driver for Health and Human Services. At the time of his retirement in 1997, Charles was driver for the Secretary of Human Services and the Social Security Administration. During his tenure with the Federal Government, Charles earned many awards to include: Certificate of Appreciation, 1972 U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare Award, 1977 Chief of Staff Commendation Award, 1988 DCFSM Honors Awards, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994 Associate Commissioner's Citation, 1992 SSA Honor Award, 1993 Commissioner's Award, 1993 Special Achievement Award, 1995 Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 32+ years, Rev. Wilhelmina Spears Watts, daughter, Gwendolyn Johnson (Bernard), son F. Bernard Watts and son Wayne Watts (Sharon). His oldest son, Charles R. Watts Jr. preceded him in death. In addition he has nine grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. He has two step-daughters, Stella Adams (Robert), Angela De Vaux and a host of cousins other relatives and friends. On Calling hours will be Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 4:00-7:00PM at Vaughn C. Greene Funeral Services, 8728 Liberty Road, Randallstown, MD. On Friday, November 5, 2021, Services for Mr. Watts will be held at Rising Sun Baptist Church, 2211 St. Lukes Lane, Pikesville, MD at 10:00AM. The interment will take place at Garrison Forest Veterans Cemetery, Owings Mills immeditaly following services.