of Maumelle, AR
May 13, 1931 - February 2, 2014
On February 2nd, 2014 K.R. Reece Watson went to be with God.
As his wife, that was like the sun stopped shining and all light failed. If I could say 'I need you and I love you' in a thousand languages I would; yet all of them combined could not convey the depth of feeling we've had for each other.
Reece was born May 13, 1931, the son of Marvin and Urchie (Benson) Watson. They preceded him in death along with two brothers, LeRoy Watson, Ralph Watson, and a son, Kenneth R. Watson, Jr.
Reece leaves behind his wife of 43 years, Bea Watson and 2 sons; Jim Watson (Laurel) of McKinney, Texas and Bob Gibson of Maumelle. Granddaughters; Sarah Henderson (David), Mallory Wyman (James), Shelby Watson, Grandsons; Clayton Watson and Ben Watson and one great grandson Landon Henderson. His happiest moments were spending time with his family.
Reece worked for Olin Corporation for 40 years, starting as a messenger and working his way to becoming Director of Personnel by the time he retired. He also served in the Army for two years as a Battalion Personnel Specialist during the Korean War. Reece was a member of Arkansas Personnel Association (various offices held included President in 1961) and was awarded the Jim Wilkins Lifetime Achievement Award by CAHRA. He was also members of Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Pulaski County, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Rosedale Optimist Club, Hope Alliance Ministry, Western Hills United Methodist Church (Chairman of the Board), First United Methodist Church of Maumelle (Chairman of the Board and leadership roles in the financial campaigns for 3 major building projects), Maumelle Country Club (President 1993). He was awarded the Jim Wilkins Lifetime Achievement Award by CAHRA.
Reece loved God, his family, his church, First United Methodist Church of Maumelle, and his Sunday school class, The Fellowship of Believers. He was an avid golfer and liked to remember the times he played famous courses, his favorite being Augusta National, home of the Masters Tournament.
A celebration service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church,1201 Edgewood Drive, Maumelle, Arkansas and will be lead by Rev. Luke Conway.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to FUMC of Maumelle.
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28 Condolence(s)
Paul and Sheila Brower
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Bea--We were saddened to hear of Reece's passing and send you our sincerest sympathy. Reece was a very special person in so many ways. It is difficult to put into words what he has meant to us--He was a mentor, supporter and friend. Our lives were greatly enriched by knowing and working with him.
Initia Watson Doherty
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Reece was my first cousin. My Dad, Houston and his Dad,were brothers. Haven't got to see him in many years, but my mom ( age 92)about the Watson side of our family often,
We are so sorry for his passing. He helped Mom out when we were having trouble with the WCC when daddy died as a result of an accident. I think that was his calling,being a helper. I 'm sure all of those Watson's are having a great reunion.
Bob Cullers
Sunday, February 9, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Reece was a gentleman among gentleman. He will be missed by all.
Alan McClure
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Bea--my prayers are with you this weekend. Paul & Sheila Brower and Quy Lamastus contacted me to let me know Reece had died, and it truly saddened me. In the 5 years I worked at Olin and got to know Reece, I came to know him as a kind and compassionate guy who wanted everyone around him to do well. I know he'll be deeply missed.
My sincere condolences,
Alan McClure
Mike and Anna Murray
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Bea....We were so sorry to hear about Reece. He was such a wonderful man. However, I know he's now without pain and resting in the arms of our Lord. I loved the part in the obituary where you talked about your love for each other.... believe me it showed and I know you are going to miss him so much. We will too. So sorry we couldn't be at the service but know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Anna and Mike
Joseph J Day
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Bea,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I am at a loss for words to express my feelings adequately. Reece was an inspiration to all, a man of integrity and kindness and a mentor and friend to me. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this time..
Kathryn Snell Poe Lindsay
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Dear Bea, Jim, and Sarah...I just learned of Uncle Reece's death in an email from Aunt Virginia. I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. I have memories of Uncle Reese from when I was a little girl going to Granny and Granddad Poe's. He was always kind to me. Aunt Virginia indicated Sarah you may live in Denton....shall look an see if I find you in the White Pages. Jim, Gwen and my sister Susan have wanted to come to TX for a visit....if they do we'll definitely be looking you up.
Know it's a busy time filled with memories....Love you!
Houston Hunt
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Bea - Sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Fred and Mary Peyton
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Reece will forever remain in our hearts and memories. He was a inspiration to so many people. Reece was a special man who leaves behind a special family.
Charles Blaylock
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Thinking of you at this time.
Knew Reece when we were in school at Tinsman
Charles Blaylock.
Charles Blaylock
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Thinking of you at this time.
Knew Reece when we were in school at Tinsman
Charles Blaylock.
Ron & Sammye Major
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Bea.. Words cannot describe Reece. He was a man of integrity.. compassion.. understanding.. and a mentor for me for many years. His influence affected so many people. I will miss him so much and am thankful that he is now out of all the pain and has gone to meet his lord.
Jim & Jamie Langford
Friday, February 7, 2014
Bea, We were so sorry to hear of the loss of Reece. He was such a wonderful, positive kind person. It was our pleasure and a blessing to get to know each of you. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Mark and Dianne Cathey
Friday, February 7, 2014
Bea, We are praying for you and your family. Reece was a good and kind man.
mary richardson
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Bea, you and your family are in my prayers.
Paula Covey
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Bea, I am so sorry to hear that Reece is gone. I know he will be immensely missed by you, your family, his church family, and all who knew him. He was such a wonderful person. I'm sure Heaven is rejoicing to have him. We love you and are thinking of you.
Paula & Carl Covey
shirle saxton
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Bea, I'm so sorry to hear of Reece' passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
John and Kim Lynch
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your time of loss.
Quy LaMastus
Thursday, February 6, 2014
We mourn the passing of a friend and a mentor.
Tony Reed
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Mr. Watson always greeted me with a smile and kind words as he came in with his morning crew to play their rounds of golf. Prayers go out to the Watson family.
-Antonio Reed, Jr.
Donna Rutledge
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Bea, I was so sorry to hear about Reece. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bobby and Juanita Miller
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Bea and Family
We are so sorry to hear about Reece. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you.
Sandi & John Wyatt
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Bea, John and I loved your Reese so much! He is resting in peace with our Lord and Savior now, no more pain and worries and enjoying being with Ken! He was one of the nicest, kindest Southern gentlemen we have ever known. God rest his soul! Prayers for you Bea to have comfort and peace...
jill mckenna
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
my prayers are with you and your family may you find peace knowing Reece is in a better place without pain
Pat Marino
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
. Reece was kindness, laughter and love. Bea, thank you for bringing him into our family and sharing such a wonderful person with us. Perhaps he and Oscar are on the golf course teeing up at this very moment. Know that Reece's love for you is everlasting. May that support you in the coming days and bring some ease to your heart. I am so very sorry you are going through this time of sorrow. My love and prayers are with you..
Judy Lewis Ferrin
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Bea, Sarah, and Shelby, we are so sorry for your loss and know how you will miss Reece.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
John and Judy Ferrin
Nancy edwards
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Bea, we are so sorry to hear of the death of Reece. I don't remember ever seeing one of you without the other and can only imagine how hard this is. I'm so glad you have such a great family, church and friend support. Hugs to you all.
Carroll and Nancy
Janet Ward
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Bea I am so very sorry. I will be praying for you and your family. Love you much.