of Bellefonte, AR

April 23, 1940 - December 25, 2023

Ralph Dale Watkins, age 83, of Bellefonte, died December 25, 2023. He was born on April 23, 1940, in St. Joe, Arkansas, to Alvin and Trudella Watkins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 62 years, Dianna Gail Holloway Watkins.

Services were on Friday, December 29, 2023, at Eagle Heights Baptist Church. Burial was in the Maplewood Cemetery following the service. Bro. Eddie Reed officiated. Open visitation was at Roller-Christenson Funeral Home on Thursday and Friday until service time.

Pallbearers were Gary Watkins, Ronald Delk, Ted McElroy, Tom Hancock, Joey Burkeen, and Jason Prouty.

Honorary pallbearers were Bill Huber, Sr., Hoot Simmons, Ed McElroy, and Robert Shaddox.

Ralph is survived by one daughter, Pamela Gail Watkins, of Bellefonte; two sisters, Mary Carter of Benton, and Linda Kaye Bruffet of Springdale; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He also is survived by "bonus daughters" that he called by numbers, 1-12.

Ralph was a member of the Eagle Heights Baptist Church and had previously served as a deacon and treasurer at First Baptist Church in Bellefonte. After graduating from Valley Springs High School in 1959, he was a grain operator in California. Upon marrying the love of his life, he and Dianne moved to Wichita, Kansas. Upon returning to Arkansas, he worked at ACME Laundry. Ralph enjoyed various careers, especially with cars. He was a car salesman, an auto part salesman, and a furniture salesman. He worked for Flexsteel. He owned an Arkansas State Vehicle Inspection center for many years. Ralph and Dianne were paper carriers for the Daily Times for 25 years. He was an amazing carpenter, but not a hunter.

Ralph's favorite things were old cars, building old cars, and watching old western shows, especially "Gunsmoke". He was a faithful Wheel of Fortune watcher and was glad that Vanna White wasn't retiring with Pat Sajak. As a family, Ralph, Dianna, and Pam enjoyed hot rods and street rods. They traveled from Colorado to Tennessee and many other southern states to enjoy local, regional, and especially national shows.

Ralph realized his civic responsibilities. He served as the mayor of Bellefonte. He also served as the president of the Harrison Evening Lions Club. He also held many offices with local car clubs. Ralph will be missed for his love of people and his sense of humor.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Christeson Funeral Home
519 North Spring Street
Harrison, AR  72601
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com