WATTIS, William Michael (Will)

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Thursday, January 16, 2003 William Michael Wattis, a rising star who had virtually unlimited 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. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.