Mr. Harold Leon Watts Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Celebration of Life Harold Leon Watts was born on September 7, 1931, in Bessimer Alabama to Stephen and Alice Watts. Affectionately known as “Watts, Wattie, or Hal passed away peaceful at Inova Alexandria Hospital on July 16, 2024, having endured several years of health challenges. Despite these health challenges, Harold fought to regain his strength in order to get back to the things he loved… his family, the Racetrack, Football (the Redskins) and music. Harold started his spiritual journey at Central Street Baptist church at an early age in Beckley, West Virginia. As an adult, he became a member of Bethel Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, Va from 1958-1975. Harold later became a fulltime worshiper at St. Philip the Evangelist Episcopal Church where you could often hear him singing in his bass voice until he was unable to attend church due to his illness. Harold obtained his primary education in Beckley, West Virginia and graduated from Stratton High School there. After graduation he attended West Virginia State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music. He later obtained post graduate credits from Peabody Music Conservatory, University of Maryland, Howard University and Trinity University. Harold was a talented musician who started his career after college as a band director in Clinton, SC at Bell Street High School. He loved teaching students the art of music and after moving to the Washington Metropolitan area he taught music and band at Pomonkey High School in Indian Head, MD, Thomas Stone High School in Waldorf, MD, Frances Scott Key Middle School in Fairfax, VA. His love of teaching music led to numerous awards in regional and state competitions. Since Harold was born with an unusual deep bass voice, he was sought after to sing with many groups and churches. As a teenager, he sang with choirs in Beckley, West VA. He was in the West Virginia State choir and performed with various church choirs. He eventually brought his voice to the Washington Redskin choir where he was the 1st black Redskin singer from 1963-2002. He also provided his musical talents to numerous bands in the Washington Metropolitan area and became a band member with Roberta Flack. When Harold retired from the various school districts, he could not keep still! He started working part time at the Newseum in Arlington, VA and Washington, DC. He also worked part time at Rose Croft Race Way, and he would often substitute in Prince Georges County Public Schools when he was bored. While attending West Virginia State College, Harold met and fell in love with Ruby Worthy. He was so smitten with Ruby that they married 3 months after graduation. He was not letting her go! This union would last three weeks short of 70 years. Together this marriage produced three children, Harold “Renard”, Adrienne and Avise. Harold was a family man who enjoyed watching sporting events with his family, taking them to the racetrack, taking them to concerts, teaching music and attending recitals as well as taking them on vacation. He later enjoyed these same things with his grandkids. In addition to his parents Stephen and Alice, Harold is preceded in death by his 2 sisters: Mildred L, Bernice S. Harold leaves to cherish his memory his wife; Ruby, son; Harold “Renard”, daughters; Adrienne (David), Avise (Derek), cousin; Willie (Gwen), Grandchildren; RaDeesha (Deonta), Darnika, Renard (Shauney), Derek, Delaney, Dean, brother-in-law; Drew Worthy, Goddaughter; Michelle, Nieces; Stephanie, Dreama, Jamila, Shani, Joyce, Terri, Janice Nephew; Melvin, 12 Great grandchildren, 3 Great-great grandchildren, several great Nieces and Nephews, race track buddies, church members, neighbors and extended family.

Mr. Harold Leon Watts

September 7, 1931 - July 16, 2024

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