William Charles “Billy” Watts, age 80, a native of Jacksonville Illinois, was born to eternal life on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Bria of Forest Edge Nursing Home in Chicago, Illinois. He was born in Jacksonville Illinois on January 12, 1946, to the loving union of Reuben Watts, Sr. and Catherine (Harris) Watts. He was the 8th of 11 children born to their family.

Billy, as he was known, received his education in the Jacksonville school system having attended Jefferson Elementary School and Jacksonville High School where he earned a reputation as a tremendous track star. Billy played trumpet, enjoyed music, long walks and weightlifting. Church attendance was important to Billy. He served as both an usher and a greeter at his church in Mt. Sterling. Billy was fond of animals. He volunteered with an animal shelter in Mt. Sterling, worked on a farm with his Uncle Raymond some summers and even owned a pet goat when he was young. More than anything Billy loved to eat!

William Watts departed this life suddenly on October 9, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents Catherine and Reuben Watts, sisters Nadine Lee and Norma Ware, brothers Lawrence Watts, Robert Watts and Kenneth Watts. He leaves to cherish his memory, sisters Irma Kleckley of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Doris Black of Syracuse, New York, Lola Kay Oberon of New Lebanon, New York, Janet Wilson of Jacksonville Illinois, brother Reuben Watts of Springfield IL and a host of nieces, nephews and family friends.

The family will receive friends and family at Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville on Friday, October 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.. A funeral service will take place immediately following at 11:00 a.m. with burial at Jacksonville East Cemetery. Condolence may be left at buchanancody.com.