MOOERS – William Watts, known to all as Bill, passed away peacefully in his home with his wife by his side on July 19, 2025.  Bill was a long-time resident of Mooers, NY.  With his wife, he was owner and operator of Mooers Lawn & Garden - providing garden plants, flowers, and trees and shrubs in the spring and Christmas wreaths in the winter.  In the summer, Bill could be found mowing his extensive lawn, taking an afternoon nap, or most likely following his wife's orders.

Bill was born in Glasgow Virginia on the 23 of April 1935 to Erskine Watts and Norita Roberts.   Bill joined the Air Force and was stationed in Japan and Thailand before eventually being stationed at Plattsburgh Air Force Base.  A life-long lover of country music led Bill to venture to Champlain one night to see a local country and western band.  He noticed a lovely local woman, Carol Rabideau, in the crowd and asked her to dance.  This one question would lead to a 58-year marriage.  Bill and Carol were married in September 1966 at St. Joesph's Church in Mooers.

During Bill's military career, Bill, Carol, and their growing family lived in Plattsburgh, Taiwan, Texas, and New Jersey.  He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant after 25 years of service and then settled in Mooers, NY.  For the next 13 years, Bill worked for Eastern AI.  While with Eastern, Bill became a well- known figure at all the dairy farms in the Clinton County and Vermont areas.  It was during this time that Bill and Carol opened Mooers Lawn & Garden on the St. John's Road in Mooers.  Bill was instrumental in the success of Mooers Lawn & Garden. He built greenhouses, completed electrical wiring and plumbing, watered, made repairs, and whatever other tasks needed to be done.  During the wreath season, Bill was in charge of managing the deliveries and making the balsam garland.

Bill enjoyed playing golf, so it is no surprise that his yard resembled a golf course.  He taught all of his children to swing a club at the top of the hill.  Bill also enjoyed watching local country bands perform at area venues and fairs.   He enjoyed the company of his friends and played cards and games frequently before he became ill.  Bill also loved a good meal, watching some golf on TV, and a good afternoon nap.  He will be deeply missed.

During Bill's final months he was lovingly cared for by his eldest son, Michael. This allowed Bill to spend his final days with his wife and in his home.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Carol Watts.  His four sons, Michael Watts, Travis Watts, and Fernando Lopez-Abat of Mooers, NY; Dan Watts (Michele) of Amsterdam, Netherlands.  One daughter, Victoria Watts (Jeff Rigsbee) of Wilmington, NC. His seven grandchildren, Erik, Ellen, Alex, Matthew, Jackson, Donovan, and Bodhi.  His brothers, Irving Watts (Becky) and Dorman Watts. His brother-in-law, John Rabideau (Sandy) and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, July 23rd from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Rabideau Funeral Home in Ellenburg.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. in St. Ann's Church in Mooers Forks.  Entombment will follow in the Town of Ellenburg Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill's memory may be made to Justice for Migrant Families by visiting www.justiceformigrantfamilies.org.

Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.rabideaufuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted into the care of the Rabideau Funeral Home, 5614 Route 11, Ellenburg.