Fort Worth Stock Show Managers and Ranchers
During his career, the name Billy Bob Watt signified a shrewd business manager, tough negotiator and man of his word. He was named to the Board of Directors of the Fort Worth, Texas-based Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show and Rodeo in 1945, elected president in 1946 and assumed the dual role of president and manager in 1950. He continued as president until his death in 1977 at the age of 77. Watt was the founding president of the American Livestock Show and Rodeo Manager’s Association, which established a circuit for its major show members and generally enhanced the livestock show and rodeo industry. He is credited with the introduction of a production syndicate, utilizing a rodeo production manager responsible for gathering top quality stock to assure both cowboys and rodeo fans will be involved in the industry’s best effort. Watt’s combination of leadership and foresight have been credited with positioning the Fort Worth Stock Show as one of the leading rodeos in the industry. His thought and energy did much to improve the quality and entertainment value of the Fort Worth Stock Show in particular and all rodeos in general as they became significant sporting events.
Born in 1900 Longview, Texas Died in 1977 in Fort Worth, Texas
W.R. “Bob” Watt, Jr. devoted much of his life to the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, serving in a variety of capacities over a span of 67 years. He served as president and general manager from 1978 through 2010 when we assumed the title of president emeritus.
“Bob's legacy at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo that will likely be unmatched,” said Stock Show President and General Manager Bradford S. Barnes. “His modest and humble demeanor obscured the tremendous impact he had on not just the Stock Show but the growth of the Will Rogers Memorial Center and the crucial groundwork that brought about Dickies Arena. Fort Worth, Texas has lost a great advocate and friend.”
Watt’s career path with the “Stock Show” took him and the organization he dearly loved on a projection to exciting heights and enduring accomplishments. He began part-time work between college semesters in 1955 and was elected to the organization’s board of directors in 1958, remaining on the governing body for 64 years. Bob served in various Stock Show superintendent roles before being named assistant to the livestock show and horse show managers in 1963. He ascended to the position of President and General Manager, succeeding his father in the role, in 1978 after having served as Executive Assistant, Assistant General Manager, General Manager and Board Secretary. He was named President Emeritus upon his retirement in 2010.
Watt played a critical role in an era of growth and improvements at the Stock Show’s home – the Will Rogers Memorial Center – that was pivotal in Fort Worth’s emergence as the nation’s premier location for livestock and equestrian competitions. He was involved with officials with the City of Fort Worth in achieving a variety of significant improvements at the Will Rogers Memorial Center. His consensus building skills played a key role in creating a public / private funding example for public events facilities that is admired across the nation.
Watt oversaw a transitionary and exciting period of growth for the Stock Show. During his tenure as president and general manager, the Show grew from 10 to 12 then 17 and 23 days. Before his retirement, crowds of more than one million consistently attended the Stock Show annually easily making the Show the city’s largest public event. Participation in livestock and horse shows by exhibitors from around the nation grew steadily now topping 30,000 entries annually.