Jonesboro- Joe Simpson Watson, 86, passed away Wednesday, January 19, 2022 in Memphis.

He was born June 26, 1935 in Stanford to the late Charlie and Myrtle Morrow Watson. He was a hay and cattle farmer. Joe loved John Deere tractors, going to cattle sales, feeding the cattle and fishing.

He was survived by his children, Randy Watson (Angela) of Jonesboro and Kathy Franks (Rob) of Bono; grandchildren, Blake Watson, Ben Watson (Alix), Justin Franks (Jennifer) and Paige Cook; great-grandchildren, Gibson Franks, Fielder Franks and Ruby Marie Watson; best friend, Belinda Crawford; siblings, Verna Jetton, Sharon Kay Somers and Janie Crawford (Johnie); and many nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

He was also preceded in death by his wife, Velda Lucille Watson; a grandson, Shawn Watson; siblings, Erma Erickson, Ann Cox, Frank Watson, Lela Warner, Glen Watson, Louise Gramling, Bob Watson and Irene Shough.

A celebration of his life will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 22, 2022 at Shiloh United Methodist Church with Rev. Mike Book officiating and Eulogy by Dr. David Marzewski. Interment will follow at Shiloh Cemetery under the direction of Gregg- Langford Bookout Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 until time of service at the church.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Blake Watson, Ben Watson, Rob Franks, Justin Franks, Gibson Franks, Chad Crawford and Nathan Crawford and as honorary pallbearers, Shawn Watson, Jerry Foley, Bob Barker, Melvin Morris, John Coleman, Earl Brackin and James Pierce.