Watts Petroleum Corp., founded by John A. Watts, had its humble beginning as Jennings-Watts Oil Co. in 1936. Watts registered the business with the city of Lynchburg to distribute heating oil, diesel fuel, gasoline and kerosene for the Gulf Oil Corporation. With a license number of #0001, Watts Petroleum became the first business in Lynchburg to receive a business license.
In 1984, when Chevron Corp. purchased Gulf Oil assets, we maintained our relationship with Chevron and its Texaco subsidiaries until 2010, when Chevron pulled out of the Mid-Atlantic/East Coast market. Today Watts Petroleum Corp. proudly maintains a partnership as a jobber with Marathon Petroleum Corporation and Spirit branded stations to supply our retail stations with reliable and high quality service. Even though very few businesses from decades ago are still operating, we are still servicing customers in Central Virginia today.
First Watts delivery truck in 1936, parked on Memorial Avenue in front of what is now E.C. Glass High School.
As we have grown, so has the family
We feel that with City of Lynchburg Business License #0001, we show dependability, loyalty and credibility to our customers. The company has increased its service area over the years with the purchases of Paul Farmer Oil Co. and Blanks Oil Co. in Altavista and Creasy-Musgrove Oil Co. in Bedford. In 1996, we expanded our company into propane distribution for homes and businesses and created a service department for installing and servicing propane appliances. Today, we employ approximately 40 people and service more than 7,500 homes.
Watts Petroleum Corp. is still a family owned and run business with:
- John A. Watts, Jr. as President
- A. Drake Watts II as Vice President
- Randall J. Watts as Secretary-Treasurer
Watts Petroleum Corp. in the Community
Watts Petroleum Corp. maintains a strong commitment to the communities we serve and supports organizations, such as:
