of Harrison, AR

December 5, 1933 - June 13, 2016

Jess F. "Sonny" Watkins, Jr., age 82, passed away Monday, June 13, 2016, at Cox Medical Center in Branson, Missouri. He was born December 5, 1933, the son of Jess F. Watkins, Sr. and Enid Ruble-Watkins. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Harrison. Jess attended Harrison schools graduating with the class of 1951 and retired from Montgomery Ward Company having managed stores in Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and Missouri.

Jess was an avid hunter and fisherman and also active in supporting his children in their endeavors. He coached little league baseball, Babe Ruth baseball, and girls little league softball. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America serving as camp counselor in the Big Muddy District in Missouri.

Jess was preceded in death by his parents; a half-brother, Verlin Watkins; three half sisters, Myrtle Watkins-Blankenship, Margie Watkins-Haywood, and Ilda Watkins-Morton; two brothers-in-law, Donald Graham and Harlan (Red) Harp; and a sister-in-law and her husband, Dell Boone-Bolton and Bill Bolton.

Jess is survived by his wife of 62 years, Shirley Boone-Watkins; two sons, Buddy Watkins and wife Stacey and Randy Watkins and wife Rhonda, all of Harrison; and two daughters, Lisa Graves and husband Tim and Tina Newton and husband Mark, all of Harrison.

Jess is also survived by seven grandchildren, Sam Graves USN Guam, Josh Graves and wife Becki of Valley Springs, Jennifer Rediske and husband Ben of Bentonville, Elizabeth Watkins of Perryville, Will Watkins of Harrison, Steven Newton and wife Anna of Little Rock and Faith Newton of Centerton; six great-grandchildren, Gavin Graves, Thunder Graves, Makenzie Graves, Eli Graves, Bryce Rediske and Charlotte Newton.

He is also survived by two sisters, Henrietta Graham and Ann Harp, both of Harrison; his sister-in-law and her husband, Sue (Boone) and Harold Rogers, of Magnolia; many nieces and nephews; and a host of dear friends.

Visitation was an hour prior to the funeral service.

Funeral service was Thursday, June 16, 2016, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home, with Rev. Robert Shaddox officiating.

Interment was in Maplewood Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Jess' grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers were the members of the Old Time Goblin Club.

Sign Guestbook

1 Condolence(s)