Lemonte "Joe" Watkins, affectionately known as Outlaw, age 66 passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026. He was born on February 19, 1959, in Barberton, Ohio, to the late Annie Sperling- Watkins and Joe Hines.

Joe graduated from Barberton High School, Class of 1977. He went on to work at Polysar Rubber, where he dedicated 30 years of service before retiring.

Above all, Joe deeply loved his daughter, JoDee and his grandson, Cory. They were the center of his world. Joe was known for his generous spirit, his thoughtfulness, and his heart of gold. He had countless friends and was always ready to lend a helping hand. He took great pride in driving his grandson to school and had a special love for children. Kids adored him- he never arrived without treats, whether for the little ones in the family of for Cory's classmates at school.

A devoted Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Joe also made it a point to support all the kids in his life, especially when it came to sports.

Joe is preceded in death by his mother, Annie (Eddie) Watkins- Sperling; father, Joe Hines; grandparents, J.C. and Vallie Watkins; and brothers, Bobby Watkins and Lance Watkins.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, JoDee Watkins; stepson, James (Kendra) George; grandson, Cory Griffith Jr.; granddaughters, Chloe and Novah George, and a special friend, Linda Wells. He is also survived by his brothers, Elijah Hines, Clyde Watkins, J.W. (Julia) Watkins, Jasper (Terry) Sperling, Marlo Sperling, Adrian (Dona) Sperling, and Eddie Sperling Jr.; sisters, Pandora Watkins, Donna Gillis, Raycine Sperling, Myra Watkins, and Effie (Tommie) Richmond. He will be lovingly remembered by his special friends of over 20 years, Franko and Welby; special son, Cory Griffith Sr.; cousin, Jerry Burks, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.