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Gary B.: A look at lifelong Melbourne resident and Pioneer Days Parade Grand Marshall — Lee Campbell Watson

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A lifelong Melbourne resident and attendee to the first — and all the other 67 Pioneer Days events — has been chosen to serve as the Grand Marshall of the Pioneer Days Parade, coming this Saturday.

Lee Campbell Watson (pictured), 79, takes great pride in attending all those Pioneer Days events, saying it is a tradition to uphold. Watson also takes pride in his community and his family — his wife Sharon, and four children: Michelle Smith, Jamie Kimes, Tony Watson, and Brandi Watson.

Before his retirement, Lee Campbell Watson was a farmer and a trader. And I mean a “trader” like nobody’s business, and he still practices that art. Watson’s retirement was from the Arkansas Highway Department, now ARDOT — the Arkansas Department of Transportation. He worked there for over 30 years.

Now he’s a “visitor,” making all the coffee spots to catch up on the latest tales, some true and some, well, sound a little embellished.

Six years into the annual Pioneer Days events, Watson and six other men started the Pioneer Days Rodeo. One of those men was Watson’s brother, Wayburn.

Lee Campbell Watson will be where he should be, come Saturday morning: riding in the Pioneer Days Parade as Grand Marshall.

So, make room, here comes a tradition.

Image submitted

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