Joseph (Sonny Boy) Douglas Watson was born in Memphis, TN on March 17, 1928, to the late Reverend Robert Lee and Vashti Watson. He received his education in the Memphis Public School System. Joe was the oldest of three children.
Joe accepted Jesus Christ at a very young age, and united with the Golden Leaf Baptist Church in Memphis. In 1944, the family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio. In later years, Joe became a member of Providence Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Rodney Maiden.
As a young man, Joe married Vivian Ruth Dixon. He was the proud father of nine children, whom he loved and adored. Two of his children preceded him in death: son, Marcellus and daughter, Vendetta.
Joe worked a few jobs before becoming a self-employed plumber. He had this uncanny ability to troubleshoot plumbing issues, and would say, “If water runs through it, I can do it.” He also enjoyed painting, hanging drywall and plastering, he truly loved beautifying homes.
Dad was blessed to become one of the original group members of The Friendly Brothers. This group was the first all-male gospel quartet to ever record for a major record company from Cleveland, OH. The Friendly Brothers did some remarkable things. They had many “firsts”. The first colored quartet singers in television production on Channel 5; having recorded music, singing at the Apollo and composing music that was sung across the country. Do you remember: “Operator”? This song crossed over into popular music and was sung by The Manhattan Transfer and Take 6 in the movie, “Telephone Booth”.
Dad was family-oriented, friendly, and very outgoing. He never met a stranger. Dad was a free-spirit. He loved cooking and grilling for family and friends. His sense of humor was unmatched; he loved laughing and telling jokes, as well as making others laugh. Even in his last days, Dad had something funny to say. Dad loved taking long road trips; especially, driving to McKenzie and Memphis, TN. In addition to traveling, he was an animal lover; he specifically liked dogs, which he trained to be quite obedient. Dad was always a nature lover, but as he aged, he would spend hours outside watching and feeding the birds.
Dad leaves to cherish his memories and celebrate his life seven children. Daughters: Sarilyn, Tanya, Yolanda, and Cathy; Sons: Derek, Adrian (Tiffany), and Erron. Fourteen grandchildren; Twenty-five Great grandchildren; Devoted sister, Dorothy Jones; and Sadie Conley, mother to Cathy and Erron.