of Harrison, AR
April 23, 1930 - March 10, 2016
Former State Representative, Robert "Bob" J. Watts, 85, of Harrison, passed away Thursday, March 10, 2016, at Newton County Nursing Home in Jasper, Arkansas. Visitation was Sunday, March 13, 2016, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home. Funeral service was Monday, March 14, 2016, at First Christian Church, with Dr. David Artman officiating. Interment was at White Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Jake Watts, Jerid Watts, Wesley Robinson, Mike Watts, Mike Drewry and Billy Phelps. Honorary pallbearers were lifetime companions, Bill "Shorty"Ozier, Webb "Chick" Newton, and Joe Villines and good neighbor Carl Campbell. The family gives a special thank you to the loving, professional staff and residents of Newton County Nursing Home.
Bob was born April 23, 1930, in Richland Valley, Searcy County Arkansas, the son of Ott B. and Mary (Hensley) Watts. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 58 years, Betty A. (Phelps) Watts; a son, David B. Watts; a brother, Bill O. Watts; and his brother-in-law, Kenny Phelps.
Bob is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, John Robert and Terri Watts, of Harrison; his daughters and son-in-law, Jo Anne Watts of Harrison and Becky and John Robinson of Valley Springs, Arkansas; his grandchildren, Jake Watts (Neisha) of Sedalia, Missouri, Jerid Watts (Holly) of Harrison, Wesley Robinson of San Francisco, California, Jane Tucker (Dylan) of Kansas City, Missouri, Rachel Ross (Dan) of Fenton, Missouri; his great-grandchildren, Nathanuel Watts, Natalie Watts, and Landon Watts; his nephews, nieces, cousins, and relatives, in-laws, Tommy and Jackie Phelps, John and Martha Drewry, and Mary Phelps.
He will be missed and fondly remembered by a county full of loving family, friends, colleagues, associates, former students and constituents.
Bob was a member of First Christian Church. He graduated from Harrison High School in 1948. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Arkansas Polytechnic College in Russellville. He taught as head teacher at Compton, Arkansas and Bergman a couple years then taught Earth Science at Harrison Jr. High School to complete 29 years of teaching in the Arkansas Public Education System.
He and Betty Phelps were married January 23, 1954. They built their farm and life in the Gaither community in south Boone County. Operating the cattle ranch for over 50 years, this was the life they most enjoyed. Always appreciating the good neighbors they had over the years. Bob loved spending time outdoors, loved the land and was a true conservationist. He enjoyed taking his family on camping vacations. He had a special fondness for the Buffalo River, his birthplace. He enjoyed horseback riding, loved exploring and searching for any artifacts of our past history around here.
Locally, Bob was a member of many groups, clubs and organizations. He enjoyed the Boone County Cattlemen's Association, the Old Gobs Club, was a lifelong Mason, a member of Harrison Lodge 314, and a Shriner. He participated with Retired Teachers Club, enjoyed Wednesdays at the sale barn and involved with the Boone County Historical Society. In 1979 he was elected onto the Quorum Court and served as his area Justice of the Peace through 1984. He was instrumental in forming Southwest Boone County Water District and natural gas line installation in that area. He was a founder of the Boone County Senior Center as well.
Bob was elected to serve as State Representative from District 3 in 1984. He was inaugurated in 1985 into the 75th Arkansas General Assembly, serving under then Governor Bill Clinton. He served in the State House through 1996. During this time, Bob was recognized and honored by his peers and placed on several various committees. One such notable bill passed was recognizing the fiddle as the Arkansas State Instrument. He was on the Education Committee responsible for passing what is now known as the Arkansas Teacher Retirement T-Drop Option, to name a few.
In lieu of flowers, any memorial may be left with Newton County Nursing Home, Boone County Historical Society, or charity of your choice.
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24 Condolence(s)
Jo ane watts
Monday, April 8, 2019
Wow I just read my dad's guest book. So I'm adding my thoughts. Dad has been gone a little over 3 years now. The grieving is over. I have a lifetime of wonderful memories of my dad. I think of him and mom and my 2 brothers who are all with the Lord. I love and miss my dad. He taught me well. I had a good dad and I was very blessed. He left me his inheritence .a badge of honor and Godly characteristics. Nothing could improve me most.
Jo ane watts
Monday, April 8, 2019
Wow I just read my dad's guest book. So I'm adding my thoughts. Dad has been gone a little over 3 years now. The grieving is over. I have a lifetime of wonderful memories of my dad. I think of him and mom and my 2 brothers who are all with the Lord. I love and miss my dad.
Bob Clark
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Tribute to Bobby Joe,
In 1950 I worked on their farm outside of Harrison with Bobby his
Dad "Uncle Out" all summer bailing hay. My job at 10 years old was to tie bails of hay as Bobby drove the tractor in the hot summer days.
Bobby, was pleasant, polite, practice respect for others and hard working.. Many of my favorite memories with Bobby was setting on his Harley Davidson and at the end of the hot day he and I took a swim in the nearby creek.and on to a home cooked dinner by my Aunt. If I could write a story titled: "If I could meet a man of character, loyalty and hard working, it would say I met that man Robert "Bob" Watts.
God Bless him and all of the family He will be sadly missed.
Robert "Bob" Clark
105 Wolftrap RD SE
Vienna, VA 22180-4940
Patricia Raynard
Monday, March 14, 2016
Bob to me was one of the most intelligent people on this earth teaching us how to take care of this beautiful and wonderful planet we live on I highly respect him to this day and always will have a special place in my heart he was an inspiration for me and I will ever be grateful ...Heaven has another angel and earth is going to miss him all over the world ...My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends that they may find peace and comfort during this time..
Jody Stewart
Monday, March 14, 2016
Drove me many miles to and from school and was a great teacher. May God's Peace Be With You.
James O. Gibson III
Monday, March 14, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr. Watts. He was my teacher and my friend. I will miss him. The world was a better place because of him.
Mike McCoy
Monday, March 14, 2016
What a great friend for 80 years. He was a Pal!
Mike McCoy
Becky Stobaugh Waldo
Monday, March 14, 2016
My prayers are with the family and friends during this time. Mr. Watts was a very nice man, teacher, and leader that I was glad I knew growing up. May God hold you all tight as you go through this difficult time.
Harold Smith
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Will be missed . I always enjoyed talking with Bob when I seen him . I will be praying for all of you. I'm sorry for your loss.
Mark Duren
Sunday, March 13, 2016
John and family, so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you during this time of sadness.
Scott and Darrie Robinson
Sunday, March 13, 2016
To Becky and John and children and all the Watts family, please accept our deepest sympathies. We know your Dad and Grandfather will be missed. Yet we are not people with out hope, we know that the sting of death has no hold on us. (1 Thes 4:13 and 14). I consider it a privilege to have known Bob Watts , we will be praying for you all as you grieve. Love Scott and Darrie
Amy Carr-Plaster
Sunday, March 13, 2016
My condolences
Frances Smith-Vincent
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Was a great teacher
scotty waters
Saturday, March 12, 2016
my sympathy to the family. I thought alot of Bob...grew up near him, helped with his cattle, fixed fence, hauled hay and fished in his pond. plus he was my teacher in Jr. high. the neighborhood wont be the same without him. he will be missed.
Shannon Hamilton, McKinney
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Cathy Mize Johnson
Saturday, March 12, 2016
My sincere condolences to the Bob Watts family and especially Jo Anne Watts, my dear friend.
Ginger Gregory Bentley
Saturday, March 12, 2016
We were neighbors and friends for a long time. Thoughts and prayers for your family.
Jerry Pederson
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Thoughts & prayers too the family. Have lots of great memories of our 7th grade Science class, will never forget hauling hay as teenager on the farm, Bob & Betty were two of the nicest people I've ever known! RIP Mr. Watts!!
Marty Martin
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Rest in peace, Mr. Watts. You were a great teacher and a true servant of the community. I'll miss you and you're great sense of humor.
Ted and Robin Clark-Willis
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Ted and I were saddened by Bob's passing, but what a joy to know that he lived a life full of commitment, service to others and a true love and appreciation of the beautiful area many of us call home. I recall him so fondly as a gentle and kind teacher, who demonstrated more patience than seemed humanly possible. He did pull out "Big Brownie" from time to time, but I'm not sure I ever saw him use it. Our prayers are with each of his family during this tough time, prayers that our Lord will comfort as you grieve and the peace that you can rest assured that Bob's life was truly well lived. He will be missed.
Steve flippo
Saturday, March 12, 2016
My heart felt condolences,, it was such an honor to be one of his many students.
Juanita (Looper) Rucker
Saturday, March 12, 2016
Jo Ann and Teri, I am so, so sorry for your loss. I just went through this with my Mom, and I know what a big hole this will leave in your life. God's peace to you and your family.
Keigh White Martin
Friday, March 11, 2016
Mr. Watts was my science teacher at HJHS. A very nice man!
John & Barbara Johnson
Friday, March 11, 2016
Our sincere condolences, he was a wonderful and devoted teacher.