Willis Watson, Jr., 53, of Centertown, Kentucky passed away Friday, June 26, 2026, with his family by his side at Vanderbilt Hospital. He was born March 25, 1973, in Madisonville, Kentucky to the late Willis Watson and Winnie Christine Sellers Watson.
We celebrate the life of a man whose greatest gift was the love he gave so freely. He had a big heart that welcomed everyone, a gentle soul that brought comfort to those around him, and an empathetic spirit that made people feel seen, heard, and valued. I hope those words honor the kind of man Willis was. Losing someone with a gentle heart leaves a space that can’t really be filled, but memories of his laughter and kindness can continue to echo through the people who loved him.
Aside from his parents he was preceded in death by his siblings, Carolyn Hardin, Rosa Lee Moore, Jackie Kirk, Tommy Hughes, Carlos Watson, and Willard Watson.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory siblings, Sandra (Mitchell) Ward of Owensboro, Robert Kirk of Centertown, Brenda (Jerry) Moore of Beaver Dam, Randall Watson of Beaver Dam, and Vivian (Pat) Embry of Morgantown.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 PM Friday, July 3, 2026, at William L. Danks Funeral Home. Friends may visit with Willis’ family from 11 AM until the time of the service at the funeral home.
The family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Willis Watson, Jr. Memorial Fund, c/o William L. Danks Funeral Home, PO Box 407, Beaver Dam, KY 42320.
Online condolences may be left for the family of Willis Watson, Jr. by visiting his memorial tribute at www.danksfuneralhome.com.