[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 109 (Thursday, July 22, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING WILLIAM BARRY WATTS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 22, 2010

  Mr. McCOTTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the extraordinary 
life of William Barry Watts and to mourn him upon his passing at the 
age of 88.
  Born on May 20, 1922, William Watts dedicated his life to serving his 
community and his country. Before graduating from Detroit Catholic 
Central in 1940, William was a tenaciously rugged lineman for the CC 
football teams of the late 1930's. Bill was an immensely talented 
musician as well. Having received many an accolade for playing the 
violin, flute, saxophone, and clarinet, Bill Watts found himself being 
transferred during World War II from the Army Infantry to the Air Force 
so that he could join the 535th Air Force Band.
  William Watts earned his BA in music from the University of Detroit 
and his Masters of Music Education from Wayne State University. 
Returning to his beloved Catholic Central, Bill Watts served as the 
band director and music teacher at Catholic Central for more than 30 
years as his bands won countless firsts in state competitions from 
1950-1982. It serves as a true testament to Mr. Watts that many of his 
former students went on to become band directors, most notably Greg 
Normandin from the CC class of 1978 who succeeded Bill as he retired in 
1982. A true Shamrock for life, Bill Watts was honored by Detroit 
Catholic Central in 1993 as the winner of the Fr. Canning F. Harrison 
Distinguished Alumnus Award.
  Regrettably, on June 28, 2010, William Barry Watts passed from this 
earthly world to his eternal reward. He is survived by his beloved 
wife, Caroline. Preceded in death by his son Christopher, Bill leaves a 
legacy of five children, ten grandchildren and five great-
grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, William Watts will be long remembered as a 
compassionate father, a dedicated husband, soldier, musician, teacher 
and friend. William was a man who deeply treasured his family, friends, 
community and his country. Today, as we bid Bill Watts farewell, I ask 
my colleagues to join me in mourning his passing and honoring his 
unwavering patriotism and legendary service to our country and our 
community.

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