1951-2024
On March 8, 1951, at home on a cotton farm in Lincoln County, AR, George Watson Jr. was the fourth child of twelve children welcomed into this world by his parents, the late Mr. George Watson, Sr. and the lovely Ms. Cozetta Burton Watson. And just as vigorously as he arrived earthside, George lived life on his own terms for 73 years before eventually entering the heavenly built home of his parents, brother Jerome Burton, and granddaughter, Arriana Watson, on September 9, 2024.
After graduating from Star City High School, George enlisted in the Army on December12, 1970. He served eleven months of his twelve-month tour of duty in the Vietnam War before returning home on a military hardship to care for his ailing father and provide support for his mother and younger siblings. He helped guide them through a world in which he was still in the process of learning to navigate himself. He became self-employed, taking over the family farm while attending Great Rivers Vocational School to study carpentry. He remained on that path for many years, eventually transitioning to a role at the Pine Bluff Arsenal where he stayed until his retirement in 2017.
George adored his family and was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was an incredibly loyal son, honoring his father and mother and being mindful of them in every aspect of his life. He loved gathering with family and friends to play dominoes, watch football, and engage in the art of conversation. George was a comedian, using humor to mask his soft side, but also loved to have deep conversations spanning topics from politics to philosophy, as well as religion. He loved to impart his own wisdom but was just as happy to learn something or gain a new perspective from someone else. He was always dutiful, generous, and helped others however he could, whether that meant opening his toolbox or his wallet. Growing up in the church, he had a strong faith in God and a deep understanding of the Bible. He walked through life always believing that everything worked out for the best.
Carrying on the Watson legacy are four children: one daughter, Shena (Michael) Reed of Arkansas; three sons, Densen (Amy) Watson of Arkansas, Mariel Watson of Georgia, and Rustin (Armanda) Watson of Texas; 7 brothers, Thaddeus (Barbara) Watson and Theophalas (Doris) Watson of Georgia, Felix (Cathy) Watson of South Carolina, Cecil Watson of Oklahoma, Rufus (Debbie) Watson and Lewis (Ann) Watson of Arkansas and Larry (Michelle) Watson of Missouri; 5 sisters, Mary Harrell and Gail (Floyd) Robbins of Louisiana, Mottise Brown of Kentucky, Therosa Baker of Texas and Bernita Watson of Maryland; 15 grandchildren, Skye Austin, Densen Watson, Jr., Azariah (Taylor) Nebling, Martrevian Watson, Dominique Watson, Ceiren Watson, Nigel Lewis, Payton Watson, Chaya Reed, Aslyn Reed, Caisyn Watson, Arukia Watson, Josska Watson, G’Kira Watson, and Sullivan Reed; two great-grands, Naomi Watson and Sloane Nebling; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Visitation: Friday, September 20, 2024, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM, Serenity Gardens Funeral Services 136 ST. HIGHWAY 159 NORTH DUMAS, AR 71639
Funeral Service: Saturday, September 21, 2024, 2:30 PM, Watson District Headquarter 100 Church Street Mitchellville, AR 71639
Burial: Saturday, September 21, 2024, Forest Lawn Cemetery, 7503 Princeton Pike Pine Bluff, AR 71602
