Scotts Funeral Home | Richmond, VA

Obituary For Preston Michael Watts

Preston Michael Watts passed Monday, October 25, 2021 in Richmond. Michael was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on June 30, 1949. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Preston and Mary Vincent Watts and sister, Marilynn Jennings. Surviving are two daughters, Nachelle Watts Sharpe (Terrell) and Melanie Watts Shelton (Al); two grandsons, Landon Sharpe and Alvin Shelton, III, sister, Joan Shaw (Willie);brother, Frank Harvey (Terry); nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 3. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, November 4 at Scott’s Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Interment Quantico National Cemetery. Livestreaming at scottsfuneralhome.com Video: https://vimeo.com/643007315

Guest Book

I was a colleague of Preston on the US Navy. We were stationed in Adak, Alaska and we were room mates. This was in 1970-71. Different times. We were best buds in a time where this was not "norm." We also met in. Pensacola before shipping out to new study stations. I ended up in Germany. Don't know where Preston ended up. But happy to speak about our relationship. May he rest in peace at such a young age!

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Oh, the glory days as a member of the "Marching Greyhounds Versatile 100 Band," and Concert Band! Our trumpet section, led by Preston was the best!! Preston was a super guy, always positive and a leader. The trumpets played an important role in the life of God's people. May you rest in peace, Gabriel. Your Classmate and former band member, Cynthia Bellamy Lewis, Class of 1967.

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I'm very emotional currently about the passing of my Beloved uncle Mike. I can't adequately put in words how he impacted my life and all that knew and cared about him. He was a Great man. Always kind, considerate, caring and God loving. He's greatly missed but may he Rest In Eternal Peace with our Heavenly Father 🙏🏽 Nephew Jason

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Preston and I were good friends in High School. We could talk about anything and everything and laughed at one another. He took me to the Sr. Prom even though I was not one of the 'popular girls'. He encouraged and inspired me to sing. I though he was an awesome trumpet player. Over the years we lost touch but I valued the memory of our friendship and am so very sorry for your loss. I am sorry too that I was not aware of his service at Quantico today I would have attended. I will visit his gravesite to pay my final respects. My prayers for each of you - he was blessed to have lived such a lovely life- family is everything. Evangeline Bailey Taylor

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I went to high school with Preston, in fact we dated for a while. Preston was the first person to teach me to love myself. For that I will always be grateful. What dear friend Linda Brown

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Sending Condolences and prayers to the family. Test in peace classmate. From Cynthia Muldrow(Davis)

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Rest In Peace dear friend. We had a ball playing together in the trumpet section in I C Norcom band. Peter Singleton

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Nachelle, My heart goes out to you you and your family. Although I can't be there, please know that I am with you and only a phone call away. Nakisha Sharpe Winston

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My heart is heavy because of the transition of my beloved cousin, Mike. However, I praise God for the time I was able to spend with him. I was an only child, but growing up in a large multi-family home at 841 Glasgow St, in Portsmouth, VA, I never felt that way...Mike was like a brother to me. He was a year older and I looked up to him. He exuded confidence. He had that "it" factor..the "cool" one. As a young child, Mike, Jima Jennings (his brother-in-law), and I would pitch a tent in our backyard to camp out and sleep in it. Jima was so tall, that his feet would extend outside the small tent...of course, everyone thought that was hilarious as that watched from the kitchen window. That didn't last too long though. Further, into our early teens, Mike, Peter Dowtin, Govan Otis Dowtin, Lynn Slaughter, Richard Council, and I were all members of a fraternity called "The Pioneers of Outspace". We were very young and Mike was the most influential in our little close-nit fraternity. He was always the leader. He played Trumpet in the band at S H Clarke Jr Hign, I. C. Norcom High, Norfolk State University, and the U.S. Navy. As a member of the band in High school, he was first chair trumpet (that means he was the best), and was one of the leaders in the I.C. Norcom High School Band. I remember when I auditioned for the I.C. Norcom's band, but for Mike, I would have never been even considered for the audition, but Mike mentioned me (his Cousin Charles) to the Director, Emory Fears and I not only passed the audition but went I on to play the first chair Saxophone. I said that only to further emphasize, that if not for Mike, I may have given up playing the Saxophone. So, to Nicelle and Melanie, saying "I've been there" may not be enough, and maybe not even the "right" thing to say as you go through your grief process. This is a process that is personal to you and can be both confusing and uncomfortable. What I do know, is that Mike is at peace now. So, my dear cousins...allow yourself to feel however you feel. Whatever it is...it's OKAY If you want to cry...it's okay...if you can't cry right now, then that's okay too. There is no correct way to grieve. More than anything, YOU need to be tender and gentle to yourselves and continue to cherish his memory. We don't know when our time will end, so make each day count. Let Mike's passing teach us all how to appreciate life. So, go ahead and reflect on his loss and be aware of the sacredness of each breath. I am your Cousin and I am here to support you, so don't hesitate to reach out anytime! - Lovingly, your Cousin Charles Morgan

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Nachelle & Family, we ask that God keep his protective blanket of love and comfort around you during this difficult time. Our hearts aches for you. Tim & Caroline Sharpe

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Condolences and prayers to the family, Michael was my sister's brother-in-law. We attended the same high school and he had a crush on my best friend. May Michael R.P.I.H.

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Rest In Peace Uncle Mike. Forever grateful for a wonderful Summer with you in Charlotte NC before attending College.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Scotts Funeral Home | Richmond, VA