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.
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15 Condolence(s)
Roberta (DELK) Cargill
Friday, December 29, 2023
Ralph was one of my favorite cousins back in the day. He saved me from 3 scorpions that had crawled out of an occasional chair onto my lap. I would have been stung if not for his sharp eye. I think he was about 18, I was probably 16. I haven’t seen him since 2000, but I still have my memories! My heartfelt condolences to Pam, Mary and Linda as you go on without him. Remember, he isn’t gone…he’s gone ahead!
Mitch Valentine
Friday, December 29, 2023
Johnny D Savage
Friday, December 29, 2023
Ralph will be missed I knew Ralph for the last 65 years. Your in a much greater place now. Rest in peace Brother..
Carl and Kathy Smith
Friday, December 29, 2023
So sorry for your loss, he was a great friend and neighbor.
Sheri Dearing
Friday, December 29, 2023
Dear Pam,
There are no words that can express my sorrow for your loss. I hope your memories will help get you through this difficult time. I wish you peace as you remember your father. I know how very close he was to you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love and hugs.
Sheri
Renea Saunier
Thursday, December 28, 2023
Pam, I am so very sorry. My heart hurts for you, but you have great hope and assurance of seeing him again one day. Praying for you!
Brianna Johnson
Thursday, December 28, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss, Pam. He was a great man. I loved how he used to joke with me. He will be greatly missed.
Kevin and Wendy Housley
Thursday, December 28, 2023
So sorry to hear of Ralph’s passing. Prayers of comfort and strength being lifted for Pam and the family.
Mike ( Scott ) Sisco
Thursday, December 28, 2023
I’m so sorry for you lose. Will be praying for the Family.
E wayne cone
Thursday, December 28, 2023
We'll miss you Thiegpenn!
Larry and Dianna Grace
Thursday, December 28, 2023
So sorry for your loss. Keeping the family in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Kim Waters Covan
Thursday, December 28, 2023
Sending much love/ prayers to Linda and the rest of the family??
John Casey
Thursday, December 28, 2023
Pam,
I’m sorry for your loss. Uncle Ralph is no longer in pain.
John
Susan Jennings
Thursday, December 28, 2023
Pam, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a very special man and touched so many lives. I loved his sense of humor and care for others. He will be missed. Prayers for strength for you in the days ahead.
Hoot and Sue Simmons
Thursday, December 28, 2023
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Ralph. We have lost a good friend. Always enjoyed our fun times with you guys, car shows, playing games, sharing meals, just visiting, we have made several “circles” on our road trips together. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers with much love. I know he is talking the ‘Big Guy’s ear off. Ralph always found someone to talk to. Never met a stranger.