Brodie S. Watson

BRODIE SYLVESTER WATSON, 94, of Maumelle, Arkansas, left this earthly home on March 19, 2025, to join his wife in their heavenly home. Brodie was born on February 20, 1931, in Ellisville, Arkansas. He graduated from Thornton High School in 1949 and attended Draughon’s School of Business in Little Rock. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict, stationed at Fort Ord and Beale Air Force Base in California, Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska, Kelley Air Force Base and Fort Huachuca in Arizona.

 Brodie worked at J.A Riggs Tractor Company for a few years before joining Arkansas Louisiana Gas Company (Arkla) (now Summit Utility) where he held various positions and retired after 36 years. Brodie and Ada were active members of the Arkla Retired Employees Association for many years participating in fish fry’s, potlucks and trips. They especially enjoy fishing at the Arkla Landing on Lake Conway where Brodie maintained the grounds for several years.

He was a longtime member of Olive Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Mabelvale serving as an Adult Sunday School Teacher, a Deacon and the Treasurer. Most recently he attended Dayspring Baptist Church in Maumelle and was very active until the church cease to exist.

Brodie was also an active member and volunteer at the Maumelle Senior Wellness Center now known as Maumelle Center on the Lake where he was famous for grilling “Brodie Burgers” for lunch one Friday every month and driving the van in the transportation program. He volunteered for numerous events and served on the board of Counting on Each Other, Inc. a nonprofit helping seniors in Maumelle. He spent hours doing construction projects for family members and church members. He served as Treasurer of the Watson Camp Hunting Club for almost 40 years.

Brodie and Ada hosted large family gatherings at their home for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. Brodie was always manning the grill or the fish cooker. No one ever left these gatherings hungry—if you did, it was your own fault! He was known as “Papa” to his grandchildren who knew he kept soft drinks in the garage refrigerator. Brodie alongside his wife Ada, loved growing a large vegetable garden each year, sharing their bounty of tomatoes, cucumbers, purple hull peas, and corn with family and friends. Brodie was predeceased by his wife of 73 years Ada Elsberry Watson, his parents, William Sylvester "Vester" Watson and Nomia Dunn Watson, brothers Travis Watson and Maurice Watson and his sister Mary Methabel Graham.

Brodie is survived by his daughter, Brenda (Stuart) Beggs of Vilonia; his son, Mike (Debbie) Watson of Maumelle; his sister-in-law, Marie Watson of Little Rock; his sister in law, Vada Skidmore of Sherwood; his brother in law, Wayne (Wanda) Elsberry of Maumelle; his grandchildren, Bradley Beggs, Rachel (Tommy) Slatton, Amanda (Nathan) Burroughs, Steven (Allen Pieroni) Beggs, and Mitchell (Cody) Beggs. He also leaves behind 11 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved.

Brodie, known as Dad, Daddy, Papa, Uncle Brodie and Mr. Brodie, will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Olive Hill Cemetery, c\o Roy Polk, 15001 North Sardis Road, Mabelvale, AR 72103 or Counting On Each Other, Inc., 406 Edgewood Drive, Maumelle, AR 72113, www.countingoneachother.org. A celebration of life will be held at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Court, on March 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be immediately before the service at 9:30 a.m. Burial will follow at Olive Hill Cemetery in Mabelvale.

Please visit www.smithfamilycares.com for the online guestbook.