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William Wattis Obituary

William Michael Wattis, a rising star who had virtually un- limited future potential, was called to our Lord on Sunday, January 12, 2003. Will, 15, was born on December 20, 1987 in Phoenix, Arizona to Rodney and Candis Wattis. He was one of those young persons who exhibited excellence across every facet of his life. Even though quite young, Will was a confident, poised, mature individual who firmly grasped his responsibilities and willingly completed his commitments - yet he had an unrelenting spirit of playfulness that permeated every facet of his life. As with all individuals of true excellence, he was accomplished in every sphere of activity he undertook. Will was an outstanding soccer player, with numerous
medals and trophies. He brought that same level of
accomplishment to such diverse activities as skateboarding, snowboarding, golfing, touch football, racquetball, swimming, skiing, Ping-Pong and weightlifting. With his strong sense of competitiveness, he was all but unbeatable in video games. But, Will was much more than that.
Intellectually, he was a strong achiever and pursued education with the same passion he had for sports. As a freshman at Brophy College Prep, Will looked forward to the opportunity to expand his education
and prepare himself for his college. He had an unmatched sense of humor that attracted him to everyone. He was outgoing, full of energy and had a
sense of good manners and tactfulness that simply said this is a person of elegance. His life was a testament to the excellence that a young person can achieve. In addition to his mother and father, Will is
survived by his brothers Raymond and Chris, sister Shawn, his uncles Charles Granieri and Michael Wattis (Jane), and grandfather Chuck Granieri. His grandmother, Lauretta Frances, preceded him in passing in October of last year. Truly, God has called
home a much-cherished favorite son that will add to his glory in Heaven. William will be in the hearts and prayers of all those who loved and adored him forever - especially his mother and father. Visitation at Whitney & Murphy Arcadia Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Thursday, January 16, 2003 from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M., with Rosary at 7:00 P.M. Funeral Mass will be held for Will at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5045 E. Thomas Rd., at 10:00 A.M. Friday, January 17, 2003, with a reception following the mass.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Jan. 16, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
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Not sure what to say?





Reed Aldrich

February 15, 2021

I'm thinking about Will today. Miss him so much.

January 18, 2018

Hold tight to memories for comfort, lean on your friends and family for strength, and always remember how much you are loved. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss.

Chris Maddison ryan Wattis

January 12, 2015

Forever missed

Deb Bayham

January 12, 2015

Dear Candis and Raymond,
Alan and I read the memorial in the AZ Republic today. Our hearts ache for you. We remember Will carrying his Eeyore at Raymond's soccer games, so cute and sweet. We also remember so sadly reading of his passing. Please know that you and Will are in our hearts and prayers, especially this day. God Bless, peace to you. Love, Deb and Alan

Daniela Garcia

January 7, 2014

Hi Will, I think of you so often since you left and I remember the joy and laughter you have brought to my life. I try to imagine what you would have been like. I think about your family all the time and wonder how they are. I just want you to know that I miss you and I miss being your friend. You are so special and are and always will be loved:)... Daniela

Susan Thomas

January 12, 2012

Candy and family:

We think of Will often and Elyse has many wonderful memories of him. We continue to keep Will and all of you in our thoughts and prayers.

Susan Thomas, Elyse and Erik Nelson

January 13, 2010

SWEET BE YOUR HEART
MY SON SO DEAR
THOUGH YOU ARE GONE
YOU ARE ALWAYS NEAR

Lisa Noall

April 10, 2008

Bless those who mourn, eternal God,
with the comfort of your love
that they may face each new day with hope
and the certainty that nothing can destroy
the good that has been given.
May their memories become joyful,
their days enriched with friendship,
and their lives encircled by your love.
Amen.

Even after 5 years, i still think of your son and others who left this world too soon. *R.I.P. Will* you are still in my thoughts and prayers everyday.

Memi M.

January 12, 2004

I know you family members dont know me but i just lost a cousin named Emiliano on September 10th 2003 and he was the same age as William and i thought it would be nice to sign your guest book.

May he rest in peace and in your hearts. He is now your little angel.

Christina Woodward

July 20, 2003

Dear Rod and Candice,

I had the pleasure of sharing my childhood on Sherran Lane with Ray and Will. I loved being with Will and Ray, afterall they were my closest friends.I have great memories with your family. I had a dream of Will about a month ago. We were in the backyard of your house, running and playing as we once did as children. Will was so happy and free. That night I know he visited me, he told me he was happy and is with God. I am so sorry for your loss. You will forever be in my prayers, and Will forever in my heart. God Bless Your Family.

With Love,

Christina Woodward

Cindy Schmitt-Quinn

March 18, 2003

Rod and Candice,

I just receiced word from a relative about the loss of your precious son. I was speechless. Myself, my husband and our three sons have since moved out of state and I wish I could have been there to squeeze you tight and tell you how often I think of your incredible family. Although I only babysat for Raymond, I remember when Will was born and how happy you were to have another beautiful boy. I know you gave him all that a son could dream of in a family, including a strong faith. I can't even imagine your pain. However, with pain comes healing and it is that same strong faith that will help you get up in the morning and know that Will is always with you. You have raised a lovely family and are well loved and respected by everyone who knows you. Will couldn't have been luckier to have two such wonderful parents. He was and is so very blessed. Please know that you are often in my thoughts and prayers. God's love and good grace to you all.

Bridget Sandahl

March 16, 2003

Dear Wattis Family,

I am so truly sorry for the great loss which has caused so much sorrow for your family.I attended school at Saint Theresa's with Will, and he was a true, wonderful, and dear friend to me. He was always so loving, caring, and thoughtful. He made me smile when things were hard and always had a hand to lend. This truly was a great shock to all who knew Will, and I cannot imagine how hard it must be for you, his family. Will was always seen with a smile on his face especially when he spoke of his family. You were the greatest things he had in his life. I am so sorry for your loss, and the loss many others have faced. I think of you and Will each and everyday. Will will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew and were touched by him. God bless you and Will always.

With prayers and much love,

Bridget Sandahl

Melissa Moreno

March 16, 2003

Dear Will and his family-

Will is loved by many and is now watching over all of us in a better place now. He will surely be missed, but in a sense he is right next to us. He had the most unforgetable smile, and i will never forget to him! I send my deepest sympathies to Will and his family. If there is anything you ever need, my family and I would be happy to help you!

May God bless you always,

Melissa Moreno and family

Sarah Hungerford

March 16, 2003

Dear Wattis Family,

My name is Sarah Hungerford and I am a freshman at St. Mary's High School. I went to school with Will at St. Theresa's. The last time I saw Will was in May at our 8th grade graduation. I didn't know Will very well, but what I did know about him was that he could always make you smile. I can't imagine what you and your family are going through. I am so sorry about your loss and please accept my deepest sympathies. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you.

With hopes of tomorrow, Sarah

Kathy Spade

March 16, 2003

Dear Candis and Rod,

I am so sorry to hear about your son Will. I just read about it in todays St. Theresa church bulletin. Even though I didn't know him personally I knew him through Mrs. Granieri. She loved her great grandsons because they were part of her favorite grandaughter, you. She bragged on both the boys.

No parent or brother should have to go through what you have been through. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. My prayers are with all of you.

Meredith Ehret

March 16, 2003

Dear Wattis family,

I express my deepest sorrow toward your family. I'm so very sorry about the loss of your son and brother. As you know Will was a funny kid who loved to have a good time and I can't think of one time I shared with him when he didn't make me laugh. I just keep reminding myself that he is in heaven and I will see him again. I'm so very sorry and your family is in my thoughts and prayers everyday.

Love,

Meredith Ehret

Jesse Ragona

March 14, 2003

Dearest Wattis family,

I'm so sorry for your lose, I am now in the 8th grade at Saint Theresa and I was extremly close to Will. This has been a rough year for your family and I'm so sorry to hear. Will was a terrific friend to me, and someone who I will never forget. My deepest thoughts and prayers go to Will and your family everyday. I miss Will and talk to him everyday. Thank you for bringing Will to this earth, I loved every minute I was around him. He was a wonderful person and I cannot wait to be with him soon. He is missed by so many, but the thought of Will now brings a smile instead of a tear. I know that he is happy with God now and we will all soon be with him. I'm again very sorry.

Love,

Jesse Ragona

mike callaghan

January 30, 2003

Iam a freshman at BCP even know I didnt Know Will it still hit me. Iam sorry you had to through this. My thoughts and prayers are with you.



Mike Callaghan

Carrie Nicol

January 18, 2003

Dear Wattis family,

My son is a freshman at Brophy-our prayers are with you,

Brandon Swigart and his mom, Carrie

Bob Oliver

January 18, 2003

It never makes sense when someone so young and full of life is taken from us. The questions are endless and the answers seem not to exist. Will shall be deeply missed but he is never far away. His memories shall always be in our hearts and minds forever. His separation from us shall serve to bring family and friends closer together than ever before. The answers we seek shall be found in our faith in God and love for family and friends. May God bless and watch over Will and bring him into his Kingdom for Life Everlasting! My prayers and thoughts are with all of you in this time of confusion and sorrow. God's speed to each of you.

Bob , Debbie and Bobby Lasker

January 17, 2003

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will always have such wonderful memories of watching Will playing soccer.

Stella Sheridan

January 17, 2003

We are truly sorry for your loss. Stella & John Sheridan and family.

L. DeForest

January 17, 2003

Thoughts and prayers go out to you from a fellow Brophy family.

Charles Varga

January 17, 2003

With very heavy hearts we deeply pass on our condolences.



Chuck, Janet, Chad & Cody

Bock Family

January 17, 2003

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. May you find peace in knowing that Will is with our Lord.

May God bless you.

Michael Palermo

January 17, 2003

To Will's Parent's:

I am currently a freshman at BCP. Although i did not know Will on a personal level this tragic event has hit close to home. One thing that people do not realize is that brophy students have two families. One is at home and another is at school. No matter what grade or group of friends at Brophy, everyone is a family. When one is taken from that family it is a shock because like any other family, you find yourself wondering why God had to take one of yours. I feel so much for you and your family at this time and hope that you know that I, along with the rest of the Brophy community are here for you anytime you need anything. Will had such great potential along with a great personality he was a unique human being. I would also like to add that i am sorry for not being able to attend William's funeral mass, though I know that the Brophy Community will be well represented in this time to pay tribute to william's life.



With sincerity,

Michael Palermo

Reed Aldrich

January 16, 2003

Thank you for being a second family to me. All of my thoughts and prayers go out to you.

Clifton Harris

January 16, 2003

You were a great guy Will. We all enjoyed having you as a friend. You will be missed forever......

Mike and Margie Addison

January 16, 2003

You and your family will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Respectfully,

Mike and Margie Addison, parents to Michelle Addison

Juli Economidis

January 16, 2003

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

All of my love.

gregory drumm

January 16, 2003

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wattis Family. Gregory and Michelle Drumm

Richard Asmus

January 16, 2003

Prayers to the Wattis family and friends. Rest in peace Will

Sofia Ewing

January 16, 2003

I'll always remember you Will. Rest in Peace. With Love, Sofia

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