Richard Watson

Sunrise ~ April 17, 1917 Sunset ~ September 18, 2016 Richard Watson was born on April 17, 1917 in Marianna (Lee County), Arkansas. He was the fifth of six children from the union of the late Charlie and Frances (Banks) Watson. He passed peacefully from this life to his eternal home with the Lord on September 18, 2016. Richard was known by so many, for so many reasons. But, most of all, we remember him for being a man who loved the Lord. He was a devoted member of the Church of Christ of Apostolic Faith where he found great joy in singing in the choir. If you didn't find him there, you would surely find him at home studying the Word of God. Or, you would hear him before you saw him - proudly singing praises to our Father. We also remember Richard for always being busy. We have so many memories of this as he continued yard work and even driving well into his 90's. Whether he had his own project or was helping someone else with theirs, he liked to keep his hands and his mind busy. We can be sure to find examples of his handiwork for years to come. He knew how to fix everything. It may not have been the proper way to fix it, but he made sure it worked. Richard was well traveled, even as a young man living in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Ohio. He is a veteran of World War II, having been stationed in Alaska as a member of the United States Navy, Boatsman Mate, 2nd Class. He retired from both Anheuser Busch and Rockwell Automation. And with all of this, he still found time to be a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and an all-around inspiring, respected, wonderful man. Richard is preceded in death by his mother and father, four of his five siblings, and sons, Daniel Graggs and James Graggs. He is survived by and deeply missed by his loving wife of 34 years, Allie (Walker-Graggs) Watson; children, Joyce Watson, Earlene Johnson, Katherine Council, Richard Watson, Angela Garnett, Debbie (Layne) Graggs-Earnest, Donna Graggs, and John Graggs; sister Mary Capers; grandchildren, Almond Watson, Maleka Johnson, Vanessa Johnson, Vance Johnson, Richard Watson, John Watson, David Watson, Aneasha (Fredrick) Parker, Derrick Graggs, Falena Graggs, Falissia Graggs, Tanicca (Darjuan) Jackson, and Daniel (Karla) Forston; a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, great grandchildren, and brothers and sisters in Christ.