Obituary

Lawnelle Edward Watts, also know as Gator and Charleston’s Handy Man, was born in Charleston, West Virginia, but raised in Minden, West Virginia. On December 30, 2022, Lawnelle departed this life on earth and went home to be with the Lord.

Lawnelle attended both Stonewall Jackson High in Charleston, WV, and Collins High School in Oak Hill, WV. He also served in the United States Army. Lawnelle worked the majority of his life as a carpenter. There was nothing he couldn’t fix. He could build a house from ground up. He was definitely Charleston’s Handy Man.

Along with being able to build and fix anything, Lawnelle was blessed with the ability to make you smile no matter the situation. Even in the middle of cussing someone out, he was guaranteed to crack a joke and make you laugh. Him singing loud like he knew he sounded good and that unique infectious laugh that could be heard from around the road will be missed.

Lawnelle was preceded in death by his mother, Ioma Watts; grandparents, Catherine Hines and Eugene Watts Sr.; children, Lawnelle Watts and Lanette Morris; sister, Cynthia Watts; uncles, Henry Clay, Eugene “Slick” Watts Jr., Gail Watts, and Tyrone Bausley; and granddaughter, Amira Jane Fortson.

He leaves behind to cherish his memories, his wife, Ella “Ellasis” Watts; children, Mya Thomas (Little), Janelle Watts, Camille Hicks, Doug Mills, Elizabeth Mills, and Joi Fruit; brothers, Henry Watts (Rose), Rory Watts, Vincent Watts, Isaiah Watts (Katrina), Ngozi Watts, and Timothy Watts; 17 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Bible Church located at 600 Kanawha Blvd. W, Charleston. WV 25302. on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. The family is requesting that NO flowers or plants be sent to the church.  MASKS ARE MANDATORY.

Condolences may be sent and shared with the family at www.barlowbonsall.com .

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston, has been entrusted with the arrangements.