William C. Watts Jr. 1949-2020

He was born June 22, 1949, in Youngstown, the son of William Charles Sr. and Rae Saunders Watts.

Bill graduated from Poland Seminary High School in 1968 and joined the United States Air Force. He became an aircraft mechanic and served a tour of duty in S. Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1972, having achieved the rank of senior airman.

After attending YSU, he moved to the state of Maine and worked for Atlantic Sails. He also worked for the Maine Central Railroad as an engineer. Bill subsequently worked at boat-building and fire safety companies. Before leaving Maine to return to Poland, Bill worked for the Ciambro Construction Co.

Bill’s love of planes and flying eventually led him to return to his previous calling. He earned a license for aircraft power and airframe repair and worked in Pittsburgh for Republic Airlines.

Bill was a gentle soul, with a great sense of humor and a positive view of life. He will be dearly missed by his family.

Bill leaves his wife of 38 years, the former Jane Schwartz. He is also survived by his son, Elliot Cover Watts (Lindsay) and his new grandson, William Cover Watts. Additionally, Bill leaves his sister, Nancy Harper (Rodgers); brother, David (Linda); and sister, Elizabeth Watts (Andrew Grandjean); as well as nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his son, William Charles Watts III; his parents, William C. and Rae Saunders Watts; and his father and mother-in-law, Forrest and Louise Guttridge Schwartz.

A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2020 at Poland Presbyterian Church, with Dr. Paul Anderson officiating. Friends may call noon to 12:45 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the service at the church.

Arrangements by the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send condolences.

(special notice)