Passed away on February 18, 2022 at the age of 91. He was predeceased by his parents, Orville & Vera Watts.
Bill is survived by his wife of 56 years, Norma (Hughes) Watts, daughters Jennifer Englert (Michael Englert) and Julie Jackson (Mark Jackson), grandchildren Evan and Lillien Perotti, and Lincoln and Collin Jackson, sibling Joe Watts, niece and nephew Karen Watts (Dan Gompper) and Jeff Watts (Brooke Sabin), and many dear friends and colleagues.
Bill was a Professor and Department Chair for 30 years at Angelo State University, San Angelo, TX. He received his undergraduate and master’s degrees at Emporia State University, and his doctorate from the University of Oregon in Eugene.
Theatre was a huge passion for Bill and he loved every aspect of production. He worked long hours with students and was always proud when they continued into theatre careers. Some of his students have become professional actors on Broadway and in national tours, movies and television commercials. His students also teach in dozens of secondary schools and universities, or work in scene shops and design studios across the country.
Bill was most proud of his own daughters and often laughingly asked how two artists ever produced kids in fields of technology and medicine. As his daughters moved into the fields of Cognitive Engineering and Occupational Therapy, Bill retired from teaching and enjoyed hobbies like stained glass, woodworking, pottery and weaving. He spent 15 years weaving at the Rochester Fiber Arts Studio, making elaborately patterned table runners, placemats, scarves and shawls for family, colleagues and former students.
Bill was a loving husband and father and will be fondly remembered for his kind heart and amazing sense of humor.
Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, February 24 from 4:00-7:00 at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., 3325 Winton Road South.
Bill’s funeral service will be held in All Seasons Chapel of White Haven Memorial Park, 210 Marsh Road, Pittsford, NY on Friday, February 25th at 2 PM.
