Obituary of William O Watts

William O. Watts, 93, passed away peacefully at his home in Millington, New Jersey on October 2, 2016. Born in Indianapolis, he lived in Carmel, Indiana before moving to Millington in 1962. He was the fourth generation of his family living in the Carmel area. A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he served three years in various capacities and was trained as an Army Engineer Diver in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Bill proudly utilized this training as a member of the 109th Port Marine Maintenance Company, which saw limited service in the European Theater of Operations. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in business administration from Butler University, Indianapolis, Indiana, in 1947. He was also a member of the Epsilon Mu chapter of Sigma Nu fraternity. For 17 years, Bill worked as a safety manager for Johnson & Johnson (J & J). During his time at J & J, he traveled around the world to affiliated companies and facilitated countless operational safety improvements. For two years, he managed the J & J plant in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Previously, he worked for RCA for 28 years as a manager of industrial engineering and standard cost. With his wife of 66 years, Rose Watts, he managed a successful antique business, Watts of Millington, from 1967 to 1997. In addition to their love of antiques, Bill and Rose enjoyed traveling together. Through his career with J & J, Bill visited over 60 countries. Bill and Rose celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Bill served as a member and longtime president of the Long Hill Township Historical Society, and was the founder, along with his wife, of Friends of Long Hill Township, a citizen advocacy organization. Upon retiring, he became an active volunteer at the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills Rummage Sale. He was also an active member and elder in the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church. Bill was predeceased by his wife, Rose, in 2011, as well as his eldest daughter, Linn Watts, and sister Laural Ann Green. Bill's memories, spirit, and lineage will live on through his two daughters, Jane Watts Frank (Eugene) and Sarah Watts, his grandchildren, Julia Frank Montagino, Gabrielle Frank, Janelle Frank, Jonathan Lohse, and Andrew Lohse, his younger sister, Helen Freemon, as well as many nieces and nephews. The birth of his first great-grandchild is imminent. A memorial service will be held at The Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 8, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills, 200 Mt. Airy Rd., Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 or The Presbyterian Church, 1 East Oak Street, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920. For further information, or to light an online condolence candle for the family please visit Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home's website at www.gcfuneralhome.com