Traverse City – William P. "Bill" Watson, 72, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on June 1, 2013 at his home. Bill was born on July 15, 1940 in Dearborn, Michigan to the late Maurice and Freedom (Burget) Watson. He was married to Lynne Woodward, who survives him, on August 26, 1961 in Pigeon, Michigan.
Bill was the youngest real estate agent in Michigan when he got his license in 1958 at the age of eighteen. After moving to Traverse City in 1967, he changed careers and spent the next thirty five years in the banking industry, retiring in 2005.
Following in his father's, uncle's and cousin's footsteps, Bill graduated from Howe Military School, in Howe, Indiana in 1958. The school was founded in 1884 as an Episcopal secondary school for the purpose of "Preparing World Leaders." He was an active member of Grace Episcopal Church in Traverse City.
Bill loved raising his family in northern Michigan - fishing, hunting, skiing, horseback riding, playing baseball, softball, golf and tennis. A very special time in his life was coaching his son's baseball teams, especially the Optimists Babe Ruth team which had two undefeated seasons. During his final ten years Bill loved playing softball on "The Relics" in the senior league. He was a lifetime fan of the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings, as well as MSU basketball.
Community involvement was important to Bill and he served on various boards and committees throughout his business career. His special love was helping his wife Lynne rescue all types of domestic animals, and Stone Pony Ridge Animal Rescue became a haven for many unwanted or abandoned creatures. Later he assisted with fund-raising skydiving events for Black Sheep Crossing Farm Animal Sanctuary, with caregivers Marty and Cherry Scott, in Northport, Michigan..
He was a proud member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. Some of Bill's other interests included history and gun collecting.
Surviving are his wife and best friend, Lynne, a son and two daughters; Scott (Sandy) Watson, Stephanie Rancour, and Michelle "Shelly" Watson (Cricket Crampton), five grandchildren, Savannah, Sierra, Sage, Carter and Autumn, and a brother, Maurice "Rick" Watson. Also surviving are nieces, nephews, many good friends and his loving Great Pyrenees, "Lucy", whom he rescued in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Lou Schuerger.
A memorial service honoring Bill will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Grace Episcopal Church, 341 Washington St., Traverse City. Friends are welcome to visit from 10:00 a.m. until the service. In accordance with Bill's wishes cremation has taken place.
Memorial donations may be made to Black Sheep Crossing Farm Animal Sanctuary in Northport, a no-kill shelter (501-C3 organization) or to Grace Episcopal Church discretionary fund.
Please share a thought or memory with Bill's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.