Kenneth Reece Watson

On February 2nd, 2014 K.R. Reece Watson went to be with God. As his wife, that was like the sun stopped shining and all light failed. If I could say ‘I need you and I love you' in a thousand languages I would; yet all of them combined could not convey the depth of feeling we've had for each other. Reece was born May 13, 1931, the son of Marvin and Urchie (Benson) Watson. They preceded him in death along with two brothers, LeRoy Watson, Ralph Watson, and a son, Kenneth R. Watson Jr. Reece leaves behind his wife of 43 years, Bea Watson and two sons; Jim Watson (Laurel) of McKinney, Texas and Bob Gibson of Maumelle; granddaughters; Sarah Henderson (David), Mallory Wyman (James), Shelby Watson, Grandsons; Clayton Watson and Ben Watson and one great grandson Landon Henderson. His happiest moments were spending time with his family. Reece worked for Olin Corporation for 40 years, starting as a messenger and working his way to becoming Director of Personnel by the time he retired. He also served in the Army for two years as a Battalion Personnel Specialist during the Korean War. Reece was a member of Arkansas Personnel Association (various offices held included President in 1961) and was awarded the Jim Wilkins Lifetime Achievement Award by CAHRA. He was also members of Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Pulaski County, American Heart Association, American Red Cross, Rosedale Optimist Club, Hope Alliance Ministry, Western Hills United Methodist Church (Chairman of the Board), First United Methodist Church of Maumelle (Chairman of the Board and leadership roles in the financial campaigns for three major building projects), Maumelle Country Club (President 1993). He was awarded the Jim Wilkins Lifetime Achievement Award by CAHRA. Reece loved God, his family, his church, First United Methodist Church of Maumelle, and his Sunday school class, The Fellowship of Believers. He was an avid golfer and liked to remember the times he played famous courses, his favorite being Augusta National, home of the Masters Tournament. A celebration service will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1201 Edgewood Drive, Maumelle, Arkansas and will be lead by Rev. Luke Conway. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to FUMC of Maumelle. Online guestbook.www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.