W.O. Watson, 76, of Strawberry passed away Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020.
He was born July 26, 1944, in McCormick, Arkansas to Arvel E. Watson and Ollie Ripka Watson.
W.O. loved his family and his neighbors; he was loyal, dependable, and kind-hearted. W.O. worked for Huskey Service Station, Farm Service, and Strawberry School District; where he drove the school buses and was a bus mechanic and he loved his bus kids. He enjoyed riding around 8-mile loop, gardening, working with his tractor, hunting, fishing, watching the wildlife, playing Santa Claus, and spending time with his family.
Survivors include his wife of 23 years, Leah Watson of the home; three sons, Robert Watson (Priscilla) of Cave City, Terry Watson of Walnut Ridge, and Timmy Watson of Forrest City; one step-son, Jason Huskey (Bethany) of Conway; two daughters, Teresa Goings (BJ) of Magness and Andrea Richey (Larry) of Hoxie; two step-daughters, Brandi Murphree (Cody) of Monahans, Texas and Brooke Gilbert of Glenwood; one brother, Arlin Watson (Sharon) of Strawberry; two sisters, Geneva Keck of Sulphur Rock, and Barbara Ann Burtcher of Mountain Home; eighteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; Albert Lee Watson, Tony W. Watson, and Gene Watson; two sisters, Dolly Schwartzentrub and Mary Lee Kendell.
Pallbearers are BJ Goings, Robbie Watson, Aaron Watson, Larry Richey, Cody Blevins, Jason Huskey, and Cody Murphree. Honorary pallbearers will be Lavon Huskey, Randall Northcutt, Dr. Mark Williams, Morning Coffee Drinkers at KJ’s Quick Shop, and Employees of Farm Service in Lynn.
Graveside services will begin at 1:00 pm Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, at Ward Cemetery in Strawberry under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville with Greg Cooper officiating.
Memorials may be made in his honor to Lawrence County Cooperative School, P.O. Box 16, Portia, AR 72457.
We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks and social distancing will be observed.
