2023ObituariesEarl “Buddy” “Poppie” Cleveland Watts, Jr.

John11:25-26 Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die, and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.”

Earl “Buddy, Poppie” Cleveland Watts, Jr., 78 years old, of Watson, LA was surrounded by his family as he went to be with his Savior on Friday, November 10, 2023. He was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was born on September 2, 1945 in New Orleans, LA to Earl C. Watts, Sr. and Mildred Bergeron Watts. Buddy married the love of his life, Grace Thames Watts, on May 24, 1978. Their love for one another was a true love story.

He is survived by his wife, Grace Thames Watts, siblings Linda Brignac, Nelda (Bubbie) Curtis, and Susan (Tom) Hutchinson, his children he deeply loved, Russell (Bridgette) Ott, Jason (Jonette) Ott, Denise Watts, Jana (Freddy) O’Neal, and Earl “Dennis” (Tricia) Watts, 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Buddy was preceded in death by his parents Earl & Mildred Watts and Doherty and Charlotte Thames.

He was born and raised in Colyell, LA where he grew up to become an avid outdoorsman. He graduated from French Settlement High School and attended Southeastern Louisiana University where he played basketball. He was a Millwright by trade and enjoyed fishing, hunting, and playing basketball. It brought him joy to love and help others, but most of all, it brought him joy to spend time with his wife, family, and friends. He would give you anything he had and loved all with his whole heart and served others like Christ. All that knew him loved him and he will be dearly missed by all.

Our family would like to give a special thanks to his amazing caretakers, that have become family, Kelly, Kim and Sonia “sister”.

Visitation will be held at Amite Baptist Church in Watson, LA on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 from 11:00a.m. until service begins at 2:30p.m. Burial immediately to follow at Amite Baptist Church Cemetery.