Dr Joseph ( Joey ) Alan Watson passed away September 8th 2026 after a short illness. Joey was born November 5th 1972 in Tupelo, MS. His family moved to Memphis, Tn shortly after his birth. Joey graduated from Harding Academy of Memphis in 1991. He then attended University of Memphis graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Arts, Theater, and Communications in 1998 and earned a Master’s degree in Arts and Communications in 2003. In 2014 he earned a Doctorate in Philosophy from Louisiana State University. That ultimately led him to a position at the University of Alabama Huntsville where he built their Film and Media Arts program and became a tenured associate professor in March of 2025. Joey was a talented and award winning filmmaker. His research having been published in Education/Media International, The Journal of popular Cultural Studies, and Liminalities. He also authored a book entitled Screening TED. Joey had many honors and awards including Best Narrative Feature, The Path of Fear, Memphis Indie Film Festival in 2002, Best Narrative Feature, Act One, Memphis Indie Film Festival in 2005, Top Paper Award, Southern States Communication Association in 2007 and in 2011 he was awarded the LSU LEAD/Emerge Award. Joey’s exuberance and his passion always came through in his projects whether working in the theater, behind the film camera, or giving lectures to his students. Joey always gave his love and his heart to those closest to him. Always available to listen, advise and comfort. Joey gave and never asked for anything in return. To those that knew him, Dr J was a mentor, friend, family member and just a genuine and gentle human being.

Joey was preceded in death by his mother Doris Pounds Watson. He leaves his wife Daina Rosario Watson, son Kobe, daughter Zoe, brother Bob (Kim) Watson, sister Sherry Watson Overmier (Clyde), a niece and a nephew. 

As Horacio said to his dear friend Hamlet “ Good-night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”