Bill Watt

December 21, 2011

Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford William (Bill) L. Watt, 75,died at his residence on December 21, 2011, in Batesville, MS. He was predeceased by his parents, Lester W. Watt and Lucille Davis Watt. He is survived by his wife, Martha P. Watt of Batesville, MS, daughter Judy Watt of Oxford, MS, son W. Lee (Rhetta) Watt of Flowood, MS, grandchildren, Smitty Smith, Katelyn Conner, Julia Watt and Gray Watt, two sisters, Mary (Darrell) Watt Blaylock of Greenville, MS and Nancy (Joe) Watt Diffee of Hernando, Mississippi. Watt attended University High School in Oxford and received his Bachelor of Business Administration (Commerce) from the University of Mississippi in 1958 where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega and Beta Alpha Psi. Watt served as Operations Director for the Mississippi Highway Department until1967 and, then, as Vice-President of Medicenters of America, Inc. until 1975.At that time, he began his own company Medical Management Associates that owned and managed hospitals and nursing homes across the United States. Watt also served as administrator for South Panola Community Hospital. At the time of his death, Watt owned The Flower Company in Batesville and University Florist in Oxford. Watt was an avid supporter of Ole Miss and its athletic department, being a member of the University’s Loyalty Foundation and a charter member of The Vaught Society. Known affectionately as “Mr. Bill”, the Ole Miss men’s basketball team awarded the “Mr. Bill Award” to the player demonstrating courage, determination and perseverance. Watt was a member of First United Methodist Church of Batesville, where he had served on the administrative board and as treasurer, chairman of staff parish and the Senatobia District lay leader. Watt had also served as chairman of the Batesville area Habitat for Humanity. Visitation will be held Friday, December 23, 2011, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Batesville, MS with funeral services following at 4:00 p.m. at the church. Rev. Martin Case and Rev. Pat Ludlam officiating. A graveside service will be held Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in the Garden of Memories located at Coleman Funeral Home in Oxford, MS. Coleman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Batesville, MS or the University of Mississippi Loyalty Foundation in memory of William “Mr. Bill” Watt. Online condolences may be left at www.colemanfuneralhome.com