William H. Watson

On February 14, 1938, William Henry Watson in Meridian, Mississippi was born to William Henry Watson, Sr. and Emma Lou (Trussell) Watson.  Their firstborn son. Known to many through his work and play as "Dolly Madison", Still Bill and by his family "Sonny"Bill was notable as  1st African American Driver for Dolly Madison Cakes (Branch of Butter Nut Bread); and was a member of the  first Graduating Class  in 1956 at the newly built Taft High School in downtown Cincinnati.  Growing up in the West End of Cincinnati, OH he attended Stowe School, Old Woodward and graduated from Taft High School. After graduation, he obtained his higher education at  Miami University in Miami, OH.  After attending Miami Bill made the decision to join the Marine Corps and served his military time in Okinawa and  California.  Bill returned to Cincinnati and began working for Dolly Madison and became a familiar part of African American businesses in our neighborhoods and met many lifelong friends.  He was a natural salesman, no matter what.  After a few years as a driver, he was transferred to Cleveland Ohio and a short time later opened his first business "Roach Clip" on Superior Avenue Cleveland OH.  He had found his passion. Doing what he loved best, talking, sales, meeting people and enjoying life. Bill and cousin "Meechie" expanded the business and became a well-known location in and around the Cleveland OH area.  After 35 plus years in Cleveland, he returned home to be with family.  Reconnecting with his many close friends, enjoyed being a part of Taft High School Alumni, being engaged in politics as a Ward Chair, Get Out the Vote, City, County, and State Candidates, Precinct Judge and working with Hamilton County of Ohio Board of Elections. He will always be remembered for his vast knowledge of straight-ahead jazz, his many stories about the artist he knew and met e.g. John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk, Art Blakley and especially Rahsaan Roland Kirk (a hometown favorite who he shared many conversations with) and so many others.  But most of all has left many memories in the photos he has documented from the time in the West End (Cincinnati) and the lives of our family.    Dad you will be missed - Uncle Sonny you will be missed - "Still Bill" you will be missed but will never be forgotten for the memories we will always have.  Those of us who will cherish these memories:  Brother Thomas (Bernadette) Watson, Son William Robert Watson and Russell Boles, Granddaughters Kara Watson, Madeline Watson, Eleanor (Ellie) Watson,  Nephew Rodney  G. Watson,  Niece Erica (Idris) Ranford, Great Nephew DeSean (Lundon) Ellis-Watson, Great Nieces Ayisha (Jerry) Grove, Erica Watson, Taylor (Lil Red) Ranford, Great Great Nieces Jaliyah Grove, Joy Watson and Eris Watson.  Dear Friend and Partner  Edith Pope-Robinson, Cousin and Friend Cornell (Vickie) Eaton and ALL RELATIVES and FRIENDS (CINCINNATI  AND CLEVELAND).  REST IN  PEACE STILL BILL!

Funeral Service

Tuesday, June 11, 2019 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Watson's Funeral Home
10913 Superior Ave Cleveland 44106, United States