William Andrew Watts

Born February 10, 1939 in Merced to Lawson and Lucille Watts passed away peacefully on Friday October 24, 2014 at his home in Merced.

Bill Attended Le Grand High School where he excelled in football and FFA. He graduated in 1957 and continued his education at Modesto Junior College.

In 1958 he married Ruth Ann Cornelius of El Nido. They made their home in Planada where their two daughters were raised. Bill and Ruth were blessed with 45 years of marriage before Ruth’s death in 2003.

Bill was the owner/operator of service stations in both Planada (Bill’s Chevron) and later in Merced (Westgate Exxon) where he employed and mentored numerous young men regarding business and life. Bill enjoyed and cherished countless personal and professional relationships during his career.

Commitment to community and a compassion for others was a high priority to Bill and was exhibited through his dedication to the Planada Volunteer Fire Department with over 40 years of service. He could be counted on to respond to as many fire calls as possible and was recognized in 2000 as Volunteer Firefighter of the year. He served on the Planada Elementary School Board for many years and was a dedicated 4-H leader. Bill also enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing and traveling but most of all he loved his family and many friends.

On October 24, 2004 he married Wanda Record. Together they attended Yosemite Church, hosted Bible studies and planned their many traveling adventures. Bill enjoyed his final years tending to his vegetable garden alongside Wanda and daughter Cindy. It gave him great pleasure to share his bounty with family and friends.

Bill is survived by his wife Wanda Watts, brother Don Watts (Nadine) of Oroville, two daughters, Karen Thiel (David) and Cindy Hunter (Rick), Four Grandsons, Richard, Ryan and Chad Hunter, Matthew Thiel, one Granddaughter, Megan Thiel Phillips (David), and three Great-Grandchildren. He will also be missed by Wanda’s Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren who embraced him as “Papa” the past ten years.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday October 31st from 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Stratford Evans Funeral Home in Merced.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 1st at 2:00 p.m. First Baptist Church on Buena Vista in Merced. A Dessert Reception will be held at First Baptist Church immediately following the service.