Phillip Arthur Watson, Sr.

Deacon Phillip Arthur Watson, Sr. was born to Arthur Watson and Elnora Piggee Watson on August 23, 1936, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was one of ten children, all of whom preceded him in death. He had five brothers: Willie Henry Watson, Robert Lee Watson, Clifton Lawrence Watson, Sr., Thomas Earl Watson, and Roger Wayne Watson, and four sisters: Josiephene Pope Watson, Elsie Mae Bowen, Pearl Hazel Watson and Nancy Watson. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Watson, his sons, Phillip Watson Jr. and Christopher Watson, his daughter, Tammy Watson, his grandson, Darrell Micks, his sister-in-law, Brenda Harris Shelton, his mother-in-law, Mother Billie Jean Harris, and his father-in-law, Deacon Odell Harris.

Deacon Watson accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at a very early age and united with Marks Chapel United Methodist Church. He attended public school and graduated from Dunbar High School in Little Rock, Arkansas after which, he accomplished two major milestones.

Proverbs 18:22 states, “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” Deacon Watson definitely found favor when he was blessed with the love of his life, Mildred Rumph, whom he met during his time in the military. They were united in holy matrimony on February 2, 1963 and shared forty-five years together.

Deacon Watson was enlisted in the Naval branch of the United States Armed Forces in 1954 where he rose to the rank of SD2 (Steward Petty Officer-2nd Class). He earned two National Defense Service medals and an Armed Force Expeditionary medal. He also served as a chef during many tours of duty. Of his many tours of duty, Deacon Watson served primarily in the Vietnam area. In 1973, he retired and was honorably discharged from the Navy. After the military, Deacon Watson was gainfully employed at Smoky Hollow Foods in Little Rock, Arkansas and retired after decades of dedicated workmanship.

For decades, Deacon Watson was a faithful member of First Missionary Baptist Church of Pankey Addition. He was active on the Deacon Board and in the male chorus until his health began to fail. He had an unwavering love for the Lord, his family, and his church. Even after becoming immobile, Deacon seemed to find his way back to the congregation to offer his praise. He would always say, “It’s good to be seen and not viewed.” And when departing his presence, he he preferred for you to say “see you later” rather than “goodbye.” On July 5, 2025, after a long courageous battle, Deacon Watson was lovingly received by his wife, children, and all who went before him, into the Kingdom of Heaven.

He leaves to cherish his loving memories, his grandson, Kyle Watson, his special niece, Jean Bowen, both of Little Rock; his daughter-in-law, Tracy (Christopher) Watson of Ft. Smith, Arkansas by way of Kansas City, Missouri; his granddaughter, Le’Tisha (Eric) Smith and great granddaughter, Nalaya Smith, both of Little Rock, his sister-in-law, Queenie L. Watson, and his brother-in-law Elmo (Earthy) Rumph of Little Rock, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and friends.