Peacefully and surrounded by his family, Joseph R. Watts passed away on August 9, 2023, at the age of 77 years. Joe was born in Gordo, AL, and resided in Choudrant, LA, at the time of his passing.

If you had met Joe, then you know how it feels to be loved. You have felt the love that warms itself in a tight hug and a firm handshake; you know the love that is full of humor and laughter; you know the love that is selfless and proud to know you. If you have met Joe, you know that his love is the kind that never leaves you. It is the kind that steps into the darkness to grab you by the hand; it is the kind that uplifts you when no one else has; it is the kind that makes the stranger feel welcome and the friend feel like family; it is the kind that exemplifies the love of Jesus Christ.

Joe has been a father to few, but a father figure to many. He may have never been rich, but he had shared multiple fortunes over his life in his work, advice, and counsel. He was a man of many words and shared them with anyone about anything. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He never let a day go by in which he failed to let all those close to him know how immensely proud he was of them. Joe adored his wife, Judy. He believed he was blessed beyond measure and had never met nor could imagine a sweeter soul than his Judy.

Joe was preceded in death by his mother, Emily Duren Watts; father, Otha R. Watts; brother, Otha (Gary) Watts; cousin, Kathy Slavant; and great nephew, John Clarke Perry. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Judy Watts; sons, Joe D. Watts and wife Stacie; Tim D. Watts and wife Rebecca; Tony Williams and wife Tiffany; daughter Amy D. Ates and husband Alan; his grandchildren, Clay Watts, Caleb Watts, Carson Watts, Luke Watts, Lauren Watts, Audrey Herrington (Allen), Rebecca Gates (Kelley), Kali Brewer (Chanse), Zeb Ates, Olivia Williams, Maddison Ritchie, Kaleb Ritchie, Kaden Ritchie, Myka Brewer; special family, David and Sherry Lane; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Joe Watts, Tim Watts, Tony Williams, Clay Watts, Caleb Watts, Carson Watts, Luke Watts, and Zeb Ates. Honorary Pallbearers will be Alan Ates, David Lane, Jack Stacey, Larry Conville, Shayne Hudson, Danny Hopfinger, Joey Alexander, Jerry Sandifer, Bret Lovett, Doug Young, Darrell Clark, and Doug Lebrun.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 14, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in West Monroe, LA, with Lynn Malone and Jon Tellifero officiating. Interment will follow at Beulah Church Cemetery in Calhoun, LA. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M., Sunday, August 13, 2023 at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in West Monroe.

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