Charley Benjamin Watson

Charley Benjamin Watson, age 96, passed away March 3, 2025. He was born June 29, 1928, in the Kingston community outside the city of Plainview, Yell County, Arkansas. He was born to Thomas Asbury Watson and Selina Eugenia Patterson Watson. He was the last of his 8 siblings to pass away. He was preceded in death by his siblings: James Watson, Clara Mathis, Thomas H. Watson, Sally Poteet, Virginia Boyd, William Watson, Theo Watson, and Robert Watson. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Odessa (Nancy) Lybrand Watson, and daughters Joy (Don) Cameron and Charlotte (Tim) Dial. Grandsons: Nicholas (Tristan) Cameron, Nathan Cameron, Jason Dial, and Joshua Dial. Great Grandchildren: Charley Cameron, Marek Dial, Salem Dial, and Phoebe Cameron.

Childhood years on the family farm included long hot days picking cotton and raising animals.

Charley was drafted into the military as well as five of his brothers. Stationed at the Red River Arsenal in Texas. There he met his lifelong friend Earl Cox.

1955 Charley worked for Western Electric installing telephone equipment in Arkansas, Missouri and Texas traveling frequently. Sonny Taylor a cousin of Odessa Marie “Nancy” Lybrand also worked at Western Electric. Sonny arranged a blind date introducing the two. After dating 18 months at the age of 29, Charley and Nancy married in 1957.

1981 Charley retired from Western Electric after 26 years. Early retirement was an easy decision when advised of an upcoming transfer to New York. Afterwards, Charley worked for a couple of private telephone companies.

Retirement was filled with endless gardening. Two large gardens including fruit trees and blackberries. An emphasis placed on tomatoes with an abundance available to sell and share with friends and family.

Surrounding the garden were flower beds filed with daffodils and roses.

He was a great husband, father, grandparent, and great grandparent to his family. He loved to tell stories to his family and friends. There was an emphasis placed on faith, love, and peace in his home. He had a contagious laugh and smile. He was a faithful member of Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church for the last 67 years. The Fidelis Sunday School Class was rich with wonderful friends to him. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

The funeral will be held at Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church, 1723 Schaer Street, North Little Rock, AR, Monday, March 10, at 2:00 p.m. The funeral will be preceded by a visitation at 1:00 p.m. at the same location. Burial at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Memorial Park at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his memory to Gardner Memorial United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.