Raymond D. Watts

 
RAYMOND DAY WATTS  October 24, 1924 - October 13, 2011  
Died peacefully at home on October 13, 2011. Ray was born in Cincinnati, OH and spent most of his childhood in Pittsburgh, PA. He was a soldier stationed in Japan during WWII. He graduated from Antioch College and later from Georgetown Law School. He was married to the late Anne (Penny) Pennybacker Watts in 1948 and lived in Rockville, MD from 1955 to present. From 1958 to 1977 he served as General Counsel on the staff of the United States Senate Committee on Small Business. Professionally and as a volunteer he devoted time, money and energy to peace, environment, humanitarian efforts and other worthy causes. He was a founding member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville and an active supporter of the National Chamber Orchestra. At various times he made his living as a copy boy for a big city paper, a reporter for a small city paper, a press agent for a regional theater, a letter writer for a U.S. Representative, as professional staff member of a U.S. House committee, as an assistant to a Democratic National Committee Chairman, as counsel to another U.S. House committee and as associate, counsel or partner in various law firms. After retiring from the U.S. Senate Committee in 1977 he continued part time law work, volunteer work and enjoyed travelling with his beloved wife, Penny. During the past year, he completed an illustrated book of his poems, "Old Age and Three Virtual Remissions," published by KoehlerBooks. Writer/producer/director Carson Davidson wrote, "This is a touching, immensely poignant testament. It is unflinchingly real, written for anyone who has truly rejoiced in love. Written as well for those who have grown old ... but not too old to remember, and to dream." He is survived by his daughter, Kathryn (Kitti) Watts, granddaughter, Amanda Watts-Feldman, son-in-law Steven Arbitman, and many loving in-laws, nieces, nephews and friends. Memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 23 at 4 p.m. at the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Rockville, 100 Welsh Drive, Rockville, MD 20850. In lieu of flowers please donate to one of Ray's many favorite causes; The Fund for Antioch College, Office of Advancement, One Morgan Place, Yellow Springs, OH 45387; Institute for Policy Studies, 1112 16th St. NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036; Capital Area Food Bank, 645 Taylor St. NE, Washington, DC 20017 or Unitarian-Universalist Church of Rockville, 100 Welsh Park Dr., Rockville, MD 20850