James Franklin Watson

James Franklin Watson, 85, of Bartlett, passed away on Friday, November 30, 2012. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 wonderful years, Betty Pounds Watson, his children, Clay Watson (Sherrie), Jay Watson (Page), and Melissa Watson Lukas (Thomas), 7 grandchildren, Nichole, Jacob, Brady, John, Heather, Brooke, and Molly, 10 great-grandchildren, Derek, Ryan, McKenna, Eirnin, Jeannie, Holland, Willah, Sidney, Winston, and Aubrey, and siblings, John Watson and Neva Hopper of Piggott, AR., Myrtle Satterfield, Shirley Satterfield, and Shelba Lewis all of St. Louis, MO., Bert Watson of Bull Shoals, AR., and Pete Watson of Corning, AR. Mr. Watson dutifully served his country for over 20 years in the U.S. Navy having served aboard the U.S.S. Philippine Sea CV-47 (plank owner) and escorted Admiral Byrd on his Antarctic Expedition. Mr. Watson was a member at Faith Baptist church. He worked for Shelby County for 26 years as Deputy Administrator of the Road Dept. He was a 50 year Member Masonic Lodge #671 and Memphis Scottish Rite, 32nd Degree Mason, and Order of the Eastern Star. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 4 from 3:30-6pm with a Funeral service starting at 6pm at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 N. Germantown Rd. Another visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 5 at Hoggard Funeral Home, 142 N. 3rd Ave, Piggott, AR., from 1-2:30 and a graveside service at 3pm at New Hope Cemetery, 7600 HWY 62, Pollard, AR.