Roger D. Watson

He was born Sept. 19, 1932, in Piggott, the son of the late Russell Dale (R.D.) Watson and Lou Haywood Watson.

He was united in marriage to Glenda Sue Blocker on Nov. 23, 1956. To this union two sons were born.

Mr. Watson joined the U.S. Navy in July 1951 and was honorably discharged in June 1955. He served aboard the U.S.S. Rochester, the U.S.S. Randolph, and hte U.S.S. Hornet aircraft carriers. He worked as a boiler operator. Mr. Watson received the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal (five stars), Navy Occupation Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and China Service Medal. He was very proud to serve his country during the Korean War .

Mr. Watson worked for many years as a food salesman. In his later years, he used his naval experience and worked as a boiler operator. He retired from Arkansas Children's Hospital in March of 1998 where he was a power plant operator. During his retirement he bought and sold cars, boats, and campers as a hobby.

He attended the Church of Christ at Sixth and Maple in North Little Rock for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Glenda Sue Watson; two sons, Jeffrey Dale and Anthony Glen; six grandchildren, Brice, Rachel, Blaine, Glen, Dale and Grant; two brothers, Ronald Watson of DeSota, Mo., and Rex Watson of Piggott.

A memorial service was held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 2, 2003, in the Hoggard and Sons Chapel with Jerry Morgan officiating. Burial was June 3, 2003, in the Arkansas Veterans Cemetery in Little Rock.

Boyd Funeral Home of Lonoke, Ark., was in charge of the burial service arrangements. Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home of Piggott was in charge of the Piggott memorial service arrangements.