Billy Joe Watson passed from this life at the age of 94 on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in Warren, Arkansas. Born in Bradley County, Arkansas on February 18, 1932, to the late Sam and Idema Whittington Watson, Corporal Billy Joe Watson was the third out of four children.
Billy Joe is preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Cleo Jones Watson, brother Gene Watson, sisters Margie Odom and Neoma Harvey, his nephews Phillip Swofford, Harold Swofford, and Robert Odom, and his niece Reba Parker.
Leaving to cherish his memory is his daughter Kim Watson Forrest (David) of Warren, grandson Caleb Forrest (Kelly) of Warren, granddaughter Leah Forrest Sexton (Clay) of Arkadelphia, great granddaughters Allison Severson, Alea Everroad, and Brooklyn Sexton, and great great granddaughter Keller Severson, his brother-in-law and cherished friend Bill Jones (Connie) of Warren, nieces Debbie Garrett, Kelly Jones, Lori Ann Roberts, and Brenda Strange, nephews, David Berry and Mike Jones, and his many cousins, nieces and nephews whom he loved.
Billy Joe, who was affectionately called “Cotton” since childhood, was a lifelong resident of Bradley County. He grew up in Banks and would be found walking down the highway to school or to the drugstore to work as a kid, on the basketball court or baseball diamond as a teenager, and would go on to become a teacher, coach, and mentor.
After graduating from Banks, Billy Joe served as Corporal in the Korean War and was stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska. He had perfect attendance in the Army and was on the baseball team, often playing midnight games from the ongoing daylight.
Returning from service, Billy Joe received his Bachelor of Science in Education degree from A&M (UAM). He then graduated from the University of Arkansas with his Masters of Science in Education and received additional hours from the University of Oklahoma and the University of Iowa.
Cotton was known as a historian of Banks and cared so much for his hometown. As longtime mayor, he was responsible for bringing the public water system and the community center to residents, and later in life, he worked to secure a new post office and was one of the people responsible for having the new Presbyterian Church in Banks built, where he served as Sunday School Teacher and Elder.
Cotton wore many hats. In addition to teaching and coaching, he was class sponsor and responsible for driving seniors on their senior trip, for many, their first opportunity to ever leave Arkansas. He coached the Banks basketball teams and drove a school bus. He and Cleo raised Kim across the street from the school and would conveniently walk across the street to work each day. He would later go on to teach high school history in Warren and would often brag on his students. He loved his students and was always happy to see them throughout the years.
He continued his trend of living across from work when the couple moved to Warren in 1982. Known as Mr. Watson, he walked across the street to Eastside Elementary and served as principal until his retirement. Caleb and Leah had him as their principal, and they cherish the memories they made riding their bikes and scooters down the halls of the school while they were alone with their granddaddy. Cotton’s office was down the hall from Cleo, and he cherished his time working with her, with Bill who was his Vice Principal, longtime secretaries Dot Doss and Jackie Parrott, and countless colleagues he served alongside in the Warren School District in addition to his Banks colleagues. Cotton worked in education for nearly 40 years before retiring in 1993 to travel with Cleo, but he remained a lifelong educator by always sharing practical advice, giving a newspaper article or financial report to someone, or even sharing a good quote with his loved ones.
Billy Joe was a member of the Arkansas Educators Association, National Educators Association, past president of Bradley County Association for Teachers, Retired Teachers Association, an Elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Warren, Governing Board member of the O.E.O. of Bradley County, member of the draft board, and was awarded Young Educator of the Year by the Warren Jaycees.
Always demonstrating his strong work ethic from a young age, he kept busy during the summers as the Warren Tomato Market manager for approximately ten years. After Kim and David started selling tomatoes, he greeted customers, loaded cars, and enjoyed the fresh produce, especially watermelons.
Out of all his years of work, his proudest accomplishments were his daughter and grandchildren, and he was always so supportive in his family’s interests and endeavors. Above all, Cotton showed how to be a virtuous and honest person to all, and humbly walked his Christian faith everyday by treating others with respect and kindness.
Cotton’s family wants to share a special thank you to his wonderful caregivers, Renee Blanner, Janice Clark, Anna Craig, and Reola Rainey. They are forever grateful for the love and compassionate care they provided to him.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Frazer’s Funeral Home in Warren with Rev. Dr. Wayman Mann and Rev. Dr. Alford Branch officiating, along with Eulogist Bill Jones.
Visitation will be 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026, followed by the funeral service at 2:00. Burial will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Mike Jones, Marc Roberts, Tommy Rowland, Connor Rowland, Kypton Rowland, and Hershel Tillman. Honorary Pallbearers are Joe Anders, David Berry, Mark Binns, Allen Chandler, John Lipton, John L. McClellan, Tommy Maxwell, Cliff Morgan, and Dr. Kerry Pennington. Music will be provided by Dr. Renee Clark, David Forrest, Kelly Jones, and Leah Sexton.
In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorials be made to the Bradley County Veterans Museum (210 North Main Street, Warren, AR 71671) or the Warren Branch Library (115 West Cypress Street, Warren, AR 71671).
In Cotton’s home, hangs a drawing from a student that reads “God first. Others second. Me third.” – a motto Billy Joe Watson followed all of his life.
