Jimmie Ray Watson, a beloved member of the Taylor, Arkansas community, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025, in Texarkana, Texas, at the age of 73. Known for his warm heart, gentle spirit, and unmatched craftsmanship, Jimmie’s passing marks the end of an era for those who knew and loved him.
Jimmie Ray Watson obituary news
Born on January 30, 1952, in Taylor, Arkansas, Jimmie was the cherished son of the late Alvin “Shotgun” Watson and Clara Watson. He grew up in a close-knit family with strong roots in the Taylor area. From an early age, Jimmie was surrounded by the values of hard work, kindness, and community—values he carried with him throughout his life.
Jimmie made his mark as a highly respected painter, working on homes and buildings throughout Taylor and the surrounding region. Whether it was the interior of a small home or the exterior of a local church, his work was characterized by attention to detail, pride, and professionalism.
Many families in the area remember Jimmie not only for the quality of his work but also for the way he made them feel—welcomed, heard, and appreciated. To know Jimmie was truly to love him. He was a man of few complaints and many smiles, always quick with a friendly word or a helping hand.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Alvin and Clara Watson; his grandparents, J.T. “John” and Jessie Watson and Roy and Bessie Mayfield; and his brother, James Watson. Their memories were always close to Jimmie’s heart, and now he joins them in eternal peace.
Jimmie leaves behind a legacy of love and connection. He is survived by his devoted siblings: Martha Kelley of Waldo, Arkansas; Sherry Youngblood of Dubberly, Louisiana; Jerry Vaughn of Springhill, Louisiana; Talmadge Watson of Waldo, Arkansas; Elbert Watson of Lake Erling, Arkansas; and Bill Watson of Taylor, Arkansas.
He is also remembered with love by two aunts, Liz Grubb of Ruston, Louisiana, and Doris Hayden of Taylor, Arkansas, along with a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and many cherished friends.
A visitation for Jimmie will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the A.O. Smith Funeral Chapel in Taylor, Arkansas. This will be a time for friends, neighbors, and loved ones to gather, share memories, and pay their respects.
Funeral services will take place on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Taylor, where Jimmie was a familiar face and faithful attendee.
The service will be officiated by Bro. Jonathan Montgomery and Dr. Randy Wilson, both of whom knew Jimmie and the values he held dear. Interment will follow at the Taylor Memorial Cemetery, where Jimmie will be laid to rest among family and community members he loved.
Pallbearers honoring Jimmie’s memory include Wayne Kennemer, Robert Disotell, Chris Joyce, Ronnie Collier, Darell Collier, and Maurice Nations—friends and neighbors who knew the kind of man he was and were proud to stand by him one final time.
Services are under the compassionate direction of A.O. Smith Funeral Home in Stamps, Arkansas.
As we say goodbye to Jimmie Ray Watson, we remember not only the work he did but also the love he shared, the friendships he built, and the simple but profound impact he had on everyone he met.
