Jim Watson

Piggott businessman Jim Watson, 61, of Piggott died Saturday, May 22, 2004.

Watson was involved in a wide range of civic activities in Piggott.

Watson started working at Brown Shoe Company in 1960. He retired from Brown Shoe in 1983. He served as the plant manager for 10 years.

In 1979 he purchased Davis Brothers Furniture Store in Piggott. He purchased the Montgomery Ward Catalog Agency in 1983.

Watson obtained his real estate license in 1985. He worked as principal broker of Watson Real Estate until his death.

He was a member of the Economic Development Council, a charter member of the P.R.O.G.R.E.S. Council, past board member of the Piggott Little League and served on the Airport Commission.

Watson coached many sports teams for his children and grandchildren, including baseball and basketball.

Watson was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Piggott. He served as a deacon at the church as well as a Sunday school teacher, faithful choir member and on various committees, including the Pastor Search Committee.

He was born July 19, 1942, in Bernie, Mo., the son of the late Triss and Pearlie Fannie Lane Watson.

He was united in marriage to Linda Kay Ellis on Dec. 5, 1960. They had three children.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Everett and Chester Watson; and one sister Colleen Watson.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Kay Watson of Piggott; three children, Todd Watson and wife, Elizabeth, of Piggott, Sherri Wright and husband, Gary, of Piggott and Brian Watson and wife, Crystal, of Paragould; six grandchildren, Alec and Elise Watson, Jonathan, Breanna and Mallory Wright and Jacob Watson; eight brothers and sisters, Juanita Lamunion and husband, Red, of Dexter, Pete Watson and wife, Bonnie, of Bloomfield, Mo., Bob Watson and wife, Lois, of Barnhart, Mo., Jerry Watson and wife, Bernice, of O'Fallon, Mo., Jack Watson and wife, Terry, of St. Charles, Mo., Gary Watson and wife, Joann, of Evansville, Ind., Bill Watson and wife, Mary, of Bernie and Beautone Watson of Mountain Home, Ark.; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Watson of Granite City, Ill.; several nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 24, 2004, at the First Baptist Church in Piggott with Charles Carrens and Dr. Ken Gore officiating. Burial followed in the Piggott Cemetery.

Active pallbearers were John Scheffler, Larry Winberry, Harry Niewald, Jerry Muse, Travis Boyd, Keith Woolverton, Bobby Shanklin and Rodney Rouse. Honorary pallbearers were Jim Winton, Max Mayberry, Mike Yon, Tommy Hardcastle and James Morris.

Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home of Piggott was in charge of the arrangements.