Billy Ray Watson, 80, of Gravette, Arkansas, passed away on February 1, 2026. He was born April 21, 1945, to John Albert and Marjorie Watson.

Bill grew up in Gravette where he attended high school and graduated with the class of 1963. He married the love of his life, Betty Sue Cash, on March 4, 1967.

Bill was a member of the Gravette Jaycees, volunteered at the Gravette Fire Department for many years, and regularly volunteered at Care and Share with his wife. He was also a past Nobel Grand of the Odd Fellow Lodge in Anderson, Missouri.

After 24 years of service, he retired from Scott Paper Company in 2001. He then worked for Ozark Community Hospital for 10 years.

If you knew Bill, you knew him for his humor. He always had a smile and a helping hand for anyone who needed it, whether they were family, friends, or strangers.

Bill loved to fish and often took his family camping. He enjoyed family gatherings and spending time with his grandkids.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, William Henry Watson and Eva Lena Watson; his parents, John Albert Watson, Marjorie Townsen Watson and stepmother Betty Joann Watson; his siblings, Johnny Watson, Bruce Watson and Steve Watson; and his granddaughter, Addison DeAnn Todd Armstrong.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Sue Watson; his brother, Jerry Lee Watson; three children: Stacey DeAnn Todd, Clinton Dwayne Watson and Valinda Jane Smith; 8 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Gravette on Saturday, February 7th at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Bill's memory to Meals on Wheels of Gravette. Donations can be mailed to the Billy V Hall Senior Center at P.O. Box 1648 Gravette, AR 72736.