Billy Lee Watson

Bill Watson was a trail blazer in music education and one who shared his vision with others. In an effort to help his students excel, Bill always looked for that special something to share; either an idea, a concept or the latest trend, and at the same time he managed to firmly plant the traditional musical values in the minds of those who entered his classroom.
I first heard Bill Watson's Jackson Central Merry High School Concert Band at the West Tennessee School Band and...

My heart just aches. This is indeed a great loss. Mr. Watson, one of the finest educators/musicians I've ever known. He expected hard work. He expected excellence. I wish I had one more opportunity just to tell him "thank you." He loved his band. I still remember when he announced his retirement he could barely get the words out through the tears. Some of my fondest memories of high school are marching competitions and Mr. Watson ending rehearsal with the corniest of jokes. He will surely be...

The Petty family wants to say we are truly sorry for the loss of your love one! We have known Mr. Watson and family for many years. We were part of the Northside Band family back in the late 80s through the 90s. Enjoyed the many football games and band competitions through though years.
There are so many great memories! Thank you Mr. Watson for those great memories!

Mr Watson was an amazing man. I know because I was lucky to have him as my band director at JC-M from '83-'85.
I did not realize the exhausting hours that I would be putting in, with my bandmates, to learn sheets of music, marching, then doing both at the same time in creating an awesome field show. Next was practicing these field shows after school and at football games to prepare for many competitions. We then took it to the streets for parades and also concerts. Lastly, other...