William J "Joe" Watts

William J. Watts, 63, of Abbott Street, died peacefully Tuesday morning, February 2, 2016, at the Philip Huilitar Hospice Care Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was the former husband of Cheryl Doss-Watts.Born in Providence, a son of the late William J. Watts and Hattie M. (Pullman) Thomas, he lived in Providence most of his life.Joe was a professional musician, a well-known saxophone player, having played with various bands in Chicago, Boston and Rhode Island. He attended the Berkley School of Music in Boston. In addition to his musical accomplishments, Joe was also a martial arts expert, with the title of Blackbelt. He leaves two sons, JaJa Watts and Balewa Watts; three sisters, Dorothy Ola, Mary Thomas and Meredith Lopes; a grandson, Bri'yon Watts; nephews Robert Johnson and Stephen Ola and a niece Dawn Lomba. He was predeceased by his sisters Gladys Wright and Harriett Davis and a niece Andrea Lomba. The funeral service will be held Saturday, at 12:00 noon, in the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence. Burial will be in North Burial Ground, Providence.Visiting hours will begin at 11:00 am for relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations to Home & Hospice care of RI, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 in his memory will be appreciated.