MR. CHARLES “LIL C.J.” WATKINS, JR. - Age 22, of LaFayette, GA, formerly of Dalton, GA passed away Saturday, January 17, 2026. He was born March 31, 2003 to his parents, Charles Watkins, Sr. and the late Amy Renee Poe - Watkins. C.J. was a graduate of Southeast High School Class of 2021. He was formerly employed by Arby’s and Dominoes and most recently by J & A Grading and Gibson Grading as a Skidsteer Operator. As a child, he attended Community Fellowship Church and had a love for God and recited scriptures often. C.J. enjoyed watching UFC fights, gaming, sports (particularly basketball), and exercising.
C.J. was preceded in death by his mother, Amy Renee Poe – Watkins; grandparents, Bill Wallin, Jesse Williams, and Mary Watkins.
Those left to remember C.J.’s memories are his father, Charles Watkins, Sr. and stepmother, Alana Joye Watkins; siblings, Jayme Holloway of Marshalltown, IA, Brettlen (Joey) Barnette of Hartford, AZ, Jesse Watkins and Casian Watkins of Chattanooga, TN; bonus siblings, Kamren Hammonds and Austin Cluck; grandmother, Sandra Wallin; grandparents, James and Kay Simmons; aunts, Connie Cluck, Aletta Freeman, Tiffanie Williams, Ronda Watkins, Carolyn (Bobby) Farr, and Cindy (Hershall) McDowell; uncles, Robert (Melissa) Poe, Marquise (Chanel) Watkins, Tracey Watkins, Ray Goins, Sr., and Michael Dixson; girlfriend, Brianna LaBar; special friend, Lexie Cluck; and a host nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.
The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 at 4:00 P.M. at the Willis Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements entrusted to Willis Funeral Home, Inc., Dalton, GA.
Prayers for the Family during this time.
May God comfort the family at this trying time. I thought a lot f C.J. He was a good and well liked. Boy. You will be n my prayers and thoughts.
Curls, you were my first love, and I don't think people ever really understand how deep that goes. When I think of you, I don't just remember moments, I remember how you made me feel. Safe. Seen. Like I mattered. Loving you felt natural, like my heart already knew yours before I did. I didn't know back then that first love leaves fingerprints on your soul, but now I see them everywhere in the way I love, in the way I remember, in the way certain memories still stop me in my tracks. Losing you hurt in a way I wasn't prepared for. It wasn't just losing you. it was losing the version of myself that only existed when you were here. There are days I still wish I could tell you how much you changed me, how much you shaped who I became. I got to love you. I got to be loved by you. Not everyone gets a first love that gentle, that meaningful. You were a gift. You're still with me, Curls. In quiet moments. In memories that sneak up on me. You may have left this world, but you never left my heart. You were my beginning, and beginnings matter forever. I carry you with me with love and with a kind of forever that time can't erase. I'll love you forever Curls❤️
To the family of Lil CJ, I'm so very sorry to hear of his passing. I remember when Amy was pregnant with him, and both Amy and big CJ were so overjoyed. Amy was glowing the entire pregnancy! Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time in your lives.🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾❤️🙏🏾❤️
To the bereaved family; Our deepest and sincerest condolences. May God continue to comfort and keep you all at this time.
Lisa McHenry-Hill & Family
I love you man I'll never forget my brother we may have not been blood but we stuck together and bonded through our struggles and obstacles in life and for that we will forever be brother through the blood of christ. You defined strength and courage and I'll forever be blessed god gifted amongst other In life . See you when I see you big bro♡
You will be forever missed son!!!
No matter how hard life was for Cj he always wanted to make sure his friends n family were happy went out his way to do it as well , drove 2 hours to chill with me on my bday so I wasn't alone that day. I'll miss you forever bro
Bro this sucks so bad bro it's crazy how I just seen you you toled me a lot abt basketball and how to fix my jump shot I will always miss you and love you so much bro llcj
Heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family of Charles during this sad time.
My sweet CJ. My heart hurts cause this world lost a sweet soul.May you Rest In Peace . Kiss Nana for me .Prayers for the family and all who loved you.
You were my brother, my duo, partner in crime and now I gotta do life without. I know your watching over us know we love and miss you.. #LLCJ❤️🖤
You were more than just my boyfriend you were my safe place, my best friend, and my greatest greatest love. Thank you for every moment, every memory, and every ounce of love you gave me. I will carry you and who you are with me always. Loving you was one of the greatest blessings of my life. Though you are no longer here with me, your love, spirit, and memory will remain with me forever. and i'll never let your name die out i'll talk about you till the end of time. Until we meet again my baby i love you till the end of time ❤️
LLCJ🖤🤞🏽
It brings tears to my eyes trying to write this but I feel for all the friends and family Cj was like a brother to me and he helped me out a lot I can honestly say if I could go back and live the past 2 years on repeat I would I wouldn't change it for the world I love and miss you Cj you are a king LLCJ forever in our hearts
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.