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Obituary: William "Bill" Ernest Watts

William “Bill” Ernest Watts, 65, of Crawfordville, Fla., and former resident of Tahoe City, Calif., passed away Jan. 14, 2009. He was loved by all and he will be deeply missed. Bill and his wife, Donna Olsen, enjoyed life in Tahoe City from 1989 to 1994, when they relocated to Florida. Bill’s popular Lake Tahoe fishing charter business, Mac-A-Tac, operated out of North Tahoe Marina. His charter, the “Early Times,” was popular for weddings, celebrity events and great fishing. It was on his boat he earned the record for the biggest fish caught on 8-pound test line on Lake Tahoe.

Bill was a cattle buyer by profession in Louisville, Ky., and later became successful in real estate and as a charter fisherman in California and Florida. He served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army.

Bill was a great friend, neighbor, husband and proud father. He had a outgoing personality and left an indelible impression on anyone who ever met him. He loved to golf and fish and was accomplished at both. Bill’s energy, enthusiasm and tremendous work ethic were legendary to those lucky enough to know him.



Survivors include his wife, Donna, whom he absolutely adored for the 23 years they enjoyed together. He has two sons, William Brian and Jamie Watts; two daughters, Jenny Watts and Wendy Trotter; two step-daughters, Kim Campbell and Kelly Hutchinson; 14 grandchildren, April, Aarron, Maddie, Chase, Ali, Anna, Haley, Jake, Austin, Chris, Mariah, Caleb, Tate and Jack; and one great-grandson, Ethan. He is also survived by three brothers, Mike, Greg and Jeff Watts, and four sisters, Carol Hildebrand, Barbara Peace, Joan Work and Jean Crane. His parents, Ernie and Doris Watts preceded him in death.

The family would like to give thanks for the invaluable efforts of the hospice nurses and loyal and loving neighbors and friends in Crawfordville.



A memorial service for Bill was held on Saturday, Jan. 31 at St. Teresa’s Episcopal Church in Crawfordville; a celebration of his life followed at the Wildwood Country Club.

Bill loved watching kids succeed in sports and life. His wife has asked memorial donations be made in his name to a favorite youth sports organization or to: S’port the Dream Foundation (Junior Athlete Scholarship Fund), P.O. Box 5774, Incline Village, NV 89450.


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