William “Bill” Ralph Watson, 80, of Kingman, Arizona, died February 17, 2023 from complications from a fall at his Hualapai Mountains residence. He was surrounded by his family when he died.

Bill was born on June 28, 1942 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He lived in Phoenix, Arizona in his youth, but moved with his family to Kingman, Arizona in 1955 to run his various small businesses.

He graduated from Mojave County Union High School where he was an accomplished leader as student council president and also played soccer. Bill had a varied career as a successful salesman, eventually retiring from the Ford Motor Company to serve as a supervisor at the Yucca Proving Grounds.

Bill is survived by his wife Nina. His three children: Wayne Watson of San Diego, California, Kenene Price of Prescott, Arizona, Preston Watson of Phoenix, Arizona, and stepdaughter Tracy Johnson of Cisco, Texas. He is also survived by his brother Gary Watson of Kingman, Ariz., and sister Nancy Fancher of Chino Valley, Ariz. He is “Papaville” to his 11 grandchildren and his 11-plus great-grandchildren. I enjoyed it. Bill was deceased by his wife LaDonna Watson, his mother Marion Watson, and his father Ralph Watson.

Bill loved living in Hualapai and was often seen sneaking snacks to the wildlife in his yard. He also enjoyed making and repairing things in his workshop. He was always smiling, was seen as “not knowing a stranger”, and had many friends in the community.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, you can donate to the Kingman Cancer Unit and Kingman Animal Shelter.