David Watts
1933 - 2020

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David Lee Watts

PORTSMOUTH-David Lee Watts, 86, of Portsmouth, passed away Sunday, April 26, 2020 at Riverside Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. David was born December 31, 1933, in Portsmouth, Ohio to the late Jessie Ruth Watts. David was a U. S. Army veteran and had worked at the former Empire Detroit Steel plant as a coal handler. He was a member of Wheelersburg First Church of Christ and the American Legion. David had 50 plus years with the Wheelersburg Football Program and he enjoyed trips to Las Vegas and playing golf. In addition to his mother, David was preceded in death by his wife, Geneva Fields Watts, September 18, 2006, whom he married August 2, 1958 in New Boston, Ohio. David is survived by a son and his wife, David and Glenda Watts; three daughters and their husbands, Diana and Jeff Kane, Anita and Dan Sagraves and Nancy and Saeeb Raeisi; five grandchildren, Andrew, Matthew, Michael, Alisha and Lara and a great grandson; his extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins, plus the thousands of former and present Wheelersburg Pirates.

Due to current health restrictions, the service will be graveside at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Sam Cooke officiating. A celebration of life will be held at a later date and at that time memorial contributions/donations will be announced. Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home in Wheelersburg has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences to the family may be made at www.harrison-pyles.com

Jim Smith

I find that words alone cannot define the great relationship that Dave and I shared for many a year. He always had a good word for you and his positive attitude was so welcome. I will always remember the times on the sideline at Wheelersburg during football broadcasts. Rest in peace my friend.

Brett Claxon

So sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I grew up and lived next to Dave until moving away after my 7th grade year. Dave was a great person, neighbor and coach. He always found the time to help me with football plays and even took me to the 1989 State championship game in Columbus. The man was always in good spirits even when I would mess up his grass from a bad lawn mowing job. We're all better people just for knowing Dave.

Kevin Meadows

Coach watts will forever hold a special place in my heart, always giving me kind words of wisdom and encouragement before games and always made sure to do his job to the fullest no matter the circumstances he was such a great man that every member of the football team each year cherished due to his hard work and worth ethic. He will for sure he missed by any past and present Wheelersburg pirate football player I’m glad I had the opportunity to meet him and he was able to impact my life in the most positive way and I wish only the best for the family and very close relatives god bless!

Dale Keaton

I just wanted to to say watts family in my prayers I was a football player my junior year in high school he helped me when I couldn’t find my helmet size was always there for me I always looked up to him as mentor one thing I always said to him once a pirate always a pirate I’m going miss him p.s thank you wAtts for u taught me an missing already #68