Birth date: Aug 28, 1919 Death date: Mar 6, 2023
William S. Watson, of Fayetteville, passed away on Monday, March 6, 2023, at 103 years young. He was born on August 28, 1919, in Sulphur Springs, Arkansas to William Selby and Annie Blanch (Walker) Watson. He was preceded in death Read Obituary
I met Buck through his son Eldon that was a close friend of my former husband Phil Riddle. I remember being at their house when he lived near the Agri Park when he was employed by the U of A. He was a kind, gentle man with a big smile and laugh. He would get down in the floor and play with my son Jeremy. I have thought of him many times over the years. God grant the family with comfort and peace.🙏
Selby,(Buck), and I grew up in the same country area of Sulphur Springs , Watson Chapel School, near Pine Bluff. I remember when he was called to active duty in World War II. When he returned from service, and he and Jean were newly weds at the U of A, they were very gracious to us younger students. Then, in recent years, we would have lunch together at the VA Hospital. As many others have said, he was a great friend and made the world a better place for those who knew him.
Bonnie Jeane Willis Grimes
Buck, that rascal, offered a steady hand for decades as usher at Razorback games. He had a practical and happy attitude that made him easy to talk with and be around. He and Jean were friends with my ex-in-laws, Jessie Mae and Paul K. Lewis, which is how I got to know them. Who ever really knows a person, but from my vantage point, Buck seemed like a good father and husband. I know personally he was a good man and plain old good human being. 103, man! Happy trails, Buck!!
When I look back at my childhood, one of my fondest memories is of my time in the Boy Scouts. And the most influential person in that memory was Buck Watson. It seems he was always in the picture whether it was at a meeting at Trinity Methodist Church or a camp out, or at Camp Orr. Buck was always ready to teach me (us) something about scouting or life! How he put up with us is beyond me - although Paul Noland probably helped him keep his sanity! Not that we were hellions, but just adolescent boys finding our way through life. Thank you, Buck for all you did for me. Allen
Buck Watson was a guiding hand to myself and two brothers through the many hours he devoted to scouting. He and Jean were always there to offer a hand, provide the oversight and listen when we needed someone to talk with. ANd I think they offered the same support to our Mom as she did her best to manuever her way through raising the three of us! Through his work in the church, Scouts and the University of Arkansas farm, there were probably many young men and women that benefited from his friendly smile and common sense approach to just about everything. We have many fond memories of growing up with Buck and Jean near by, A positive influence to all of us.
Missy (Carney) Cassidy
Good morning. It was with sadness that I read in this morning's paper of Buck's passing this past week. He was a very special man - and I know that you know it. I was Chief, Voluntary Service, at the VA Medical Center, and Buck volunteered for me for over 13 years. He was so special, and it was my honor to have Buck as a volunteer.
I must share something with you. We were asked to poll our volunteers and find one or two who were willing to be interviewed about why they volunteer for Veterans. Well, of course, Buck said he would do it. He talked with 5-6 U of A college students about volunteerism and why it was important to him. Afterwards, I asked the students what they thought of Buck and volunteering. One young man said, "He makes me want to go sign up to volunteer!" He had that kind of influence on everyone - especially young people. He was a great role model to all. We need many more "Bucks" in our lives.
Thank you for sharing both Buck and your mother with us at the VA and in my life. I will treasure my memories of them always.
Please let me know about the memorial service.
Carol E. Kick
