Billy Joe Watson, 88, of Madisonville, KY passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Madisonville Health and Rehabilitation.

He was born on August 22, 1936, in Earlington, KY, to the late JoNell Moore Davis and William "Bill" Watson. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army and served in the Korean War. He was a self-employed carpenter. He enjoyed farming. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. Billy was a member of the Madison Avenue Holiness Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by wife, Betty Jo Butler Smith Watson; brothers, Edward Lee Davis, Jr. and Kenneth Eugene Watson; sister, Elizabeth Ann Adams; and three grandchildren

Survivors include the mother of his children, Margarette Langland of Sumter, SC; children, Donald C. Watson of Crofton, KY; Deborah Hayes and Sandra Watson, both of Sumter, SC; Bobby (Shirley) Watson of Madisonville; Yvonne (Mark) Buxton of Magnolia, AL; brother, Roger Dale Davis of Madisonville; several grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Old Suthard's Cemetery in Earlington, KY, with Pastor Eddie Fleming officiating. Military rites will be conducted graveside by the Hopkins County Honor Guard. Harris Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.