Kenneth Ralph Watson

Kenneth Ralph Watson, born on September 2^nd, 1943, may seem an ordinary man to some, but was a hero among men through his unselfish devotion to his friends and family.

He passed away peacefully on March 14, 2022. Kenny was a humble man and never met a stranger. He inspired those around him through acts of kindness, and was tremendously devoted to his faith and family. His deep and booming bass voice will be wildly missed in Baptist churches all over the south. 

Kenny obtained the rank of Master Sergeant and spent 25 years serving passionately in the Air National Guard “flying a desk” as he would often say. He never missed a birthday call to sing Happy Birthday (always VERY early AM) or sending the special “gals” in his life a card on Valentines Day.  His most pleasant times were spent with the fellas down on his hunting land in south Arkansas.

He was the oldest of his siblings, survived by his younger brother, Merideth Watson (Katy), and younger sister, Nancy DeBin (Chris). 

His proudest accomplishment was being a devoted husband and father. Ken is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen Watson, whom he loved and adored for 49 years; his daughters, Kelly Betts (Mark) and Shelby Tate (Adam), and his son Danny Watson, and bonus daughter Tulika Layson (Clay); grandchildren Jordan Roulston, Mallory Lindsey (Tyler), Ben Watson, Lola Tate, Westin Tate, and Oliver Layson; great-grandchildren Maddy Roulston and James Watson Lindsey. 

Services will be Monday, March 21 at the Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home at 5:00 pm. Visitation will follow services until 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor his memory by giving back to your community, adopting a stray dog, or participating in an unsolicited act of kindness.