Linwood M. Lovett, Jr, 67, lovingly known as "Junie", "Lin Jr.", "Unc" and his favorite, "Papi" passed on July 18, 2022.  He was born on September 22,1954 to the late Linwood Sr. and Margaret Lovett in Newport News, VA. At an early age he was baptized and became a member of First Baptist Church Denbigh. He went on to graduate from Menchville High School in 1973. After school he enlisted in the United States Army, following his service he returned to Newport News and joined the Newport News Fire Department.

He proudly served in the Newport News Fire Department for 25 years and rose through the ranks from Cadet to Captain.  After being promoted to the rank of Captain, he completed the Newport News Police Academy and was promoted to the Fire Marshal's Office as Assistant Fire Marshal. Captain Lovett also served as the Public Information Officer and provided regular updates to the local news affiliates with information and interviews of fire-related investigations throughout the City. During this time he also used his investigative skills at Riverside Health System serving as their Fire Marshal for 32 years.

To know Linwood Lovett, Jr was to love him. A true connector, he loved to talk and everyone loved talking to him.  Lin Jr. was as generous as he was kind, and had a true servant's heart. When talking to him you knew he was crazy about his wife, daughters, family and his cars. His most joyous moments were the times he could spend with loved ones.  Even if you were a long distant cousin twice removed, you were family and you felt his genuine love. The sound of his laugh was incredibly infectious, and would brighten the darkest of days.

Linwood truly lived life to the fullest. He and his wife Gwen loved to travel to the mountains and were known for going on their cruises. He was always on the go, but before he would leave, he'd make sure he didn't need to bring you anything back.  He also loved his Washington Redskins now Commanders and no one could tell him they weren't the best team in the universe. He took joy in calling his daughters, sons-in-law, or grandchildren asking "How bout them Redskins??!" or even singing HTTR after a post game win.  There was nothing better to him than seeing his team playing live, except for having all his girls and grandchildren home all at the same time.  His presence was felt everywhere he went and while his absence leaves a great void, he will never be forgotten.

Linwood was preceded in death by his parents, Linwood Melvin Lovett, Sr. and Margaret Lovett; sisters, Janice Mays, and Lanae Crawley.

Linwood leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife of 33 years, Gwendolyn Lovett; daughters, Crystal James (Nakia), Kymber Lovett-Menkiti (Bo), and Tracy Lovett; granddaughters, Trinity and Jania; grandsons, Braxton, Tayvin, Carter, Clayton and Kameron; sister, Tina Spencer (Gary); sister-in-law, Evelyn Whitaker (Lloyd); brothers-in- law, Gus Mays, Chuck Crawley (Jo), Michael Ray Battle; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 1, 2022 at O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home.  O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.