Mr. William Watts was born on April 7, 1927, in Sparta (Hancock County), to the late Mr. Harold and Mrs. Lucy Bailey Watts. William was the oldest of two children. He also had a very special relationship with his cousin, the late Mr. Tommie Lee Watts.

In his early years, he moved to Rockaway Beach, New York. There, he began his career as a welder with the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 25 Division, retiring after 52 years of dedicated service.

Later, he met Ms. Annie Julia Scott and was united in marital bliss on Dec. 22, 1949. From their union, seven children were born, Julia Hunter, Marion Dixon, Mary Ann Watts, Rosalind Watts, Elaine Watts, Pamela Hayes Watts and William Watts, Jr.

While living in Rockaway Beach, he joined Macedonia Baptist Church and in later years, he was installed as a Deacon.

Our Dad lived a life full of joy; he was very family oriented. He loved having family gatherings, barbequing and a passion for gardening. In 2010, William decided to move back to Georgia. Upon his return, he joined Bethlehem Baptist Church in Covington, Georgia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; special cousin, Tommie Lee Watts; sister, Lucy Mae Watts and three daughters, Elaine Watts, Pamela Hayes Watts and Mary Ann Watts.

On his flight home to be with the Lord, he leaves behind, his wife of sixty-seven and a half years, Mrs. Annie J. Watts; four children, Julia, Marion, Rosalind and William, Jr.; two very special and devoted sons in the Lord, whom will miss him dearly, Wilbur and Robert; six grandchildren, Joe, David, Jasmine, Lamont, Tony and Shakemia; one niece, Shelia Moore; nineteen great- grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. 

The home-going celebration was held Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017 at 12 p.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church, at 2177 Usher St., in Covington with Rev. Karen Kelly and Rev. Larry Shell officiating.