Billie Ray Watts

He was born in Clinton, Kentucky, and moved to Michigan where he graduated from South Lake High School and later was drafted into the Army where he served for two years as a specialist 4th class during the Vietnam era.

After an Honorable discharge, he found work as a dock worker for Branch Motor Freight and a die repairman for Prestige Stamping. He was fortunate to have enjoyed 27 years of retirement spending time with family and friends camping, fishing, and garage sales. In his spare time, he enjoyed trains, movies, westerns, and anything that needed repairing which led to countless hours spent in his workshop and out in the garage. He was a member of the American Legion Post 76 in Ludington and enjoyed his church family at First Baptist Church of East Pointe, MI over the course of 61 years.

He met his best friend, Lorraine, at a New Year's Eve party in 1957 and it was love at first sight. They were married in 1961 and celebrated 63 wonderful years together last November 18th. Together they had two wonderful children.

Billie was preceded in death by his parents, Ensel and Pauline Watts. Surviving Billie are his children, Cindy (Jody) Larson and Jim (Stacy) Watts, grandchildren, Ben (Faith) Watts, Emily (Jordanl) Kurley, Domonick Larson, and Corey Larson, great-grandchildren, Graham Kurley and Maddie Kurley.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 25th at the American Legion Post 76 (318 N. James St., Ludington). An Honor Guard Memorial service will be held at 2:15 p.m. with a luncheon to follow.