M r. Willie James Gatson, Jr. affectionately known as "Billyjoe", was born April 13, 1966, in Albany, Georgia to the late Willie J. Gatson, Sr. and the late Marie Virginia Webb Gatson. The Dougherty County School District would be responsible for his educational matriculation. Like many others, he graduated from the esteemed Monroe High School with the Class of 1984.

Matthew 19:14 records, "But Jesus said, "Leave the children alone, and do not forbid them to come to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Willie found these words to be true and accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age. He was baptized at Third Kiokee Church. Bro. Gatson enjoyed singing and valued the importance of fellowship with other believers.

We agree with David Viscott who is quoted saying, "To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides." Willie and Belinda felt the sun for 26 ½ years. Their journey of love started on June 15, 1990 and radiated until Belinda Lashel Mae Gatson exhaled for the final time on this side of the sun.

Sometimes the best gifts come in temporary packaging. That was the story of Willie Gatson's career with Conagra Foods (formerly Peter Pan). Adding to his existing streams of income, Gatson took on a temp job that turned into a 32-year career.  As Willie aged, retirement became necessary for his health. However, this did not stop him but rather adjusted where and how the world would experience his expertise.  From "Grilldaddy" to "Skin Man" to food trucks at local festivals, Willie Gatson continued to provide for his family.

Family. Family mattered the most… even if it meant through agitation. In his own way, he enjoyed moving at the pace of annoyance just to experience the agitation of his wife and daughters. These festivals and family outings became the moments we would carry forever in our hearts.

The greatest surprise of life is its brevity. It is but a breath… a vapor. Willie Gatson, Jr's vapor disappeared on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, as God commanded the return of his soul. Instantly, Mr. Gatson was reunited with his wife, mother, father, uncles, aunts, in-laws, cousins and friends in eternal rest.

He leaves to cherish his memory and loving spirit two daughters, Tomeka Hayes & Brittany Marie Gatson (Lester) Lassiter; siblings, Alonzo (Rachelle) Gatson, Reginald (Tonya) Grant and Alexusia Wheeler; in-laws, Willie (Sharon) Lanier, Roy (Andrea) May, Annie (Terry) Burks, M.C. May and  Glenda Maye, and Darrun (Latasha) May; three grandchildren, Alex Hayes, Jr., Reagan Dell James, and Omari Dontavious Lassiter; two special nephews who was more like sons, Alonzo Humphrey and Enricque May; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.