John "Johnie" Watson

John "Johnie" Ford Watson II, age 53, born in Little Rock, Arkansas on May 21, 1969 to John Ford and Phyllis Watson passed away on December 30, 2022.

Even as a child, Johnie was the type of guy that everyone wanted as a friend. Many of you that grew up with Johnie know exactly what I'm referring to. Don't be confused by his age, even at 53, Johnie was still a child at heart. His childhood and adulthood days were filled with samurai swords, brushing up on his Ninja Skills, and pretending to be a Waffle House chef. However, some of his best days were spent lounging by the pool with a cigar in his mouth, an Old Fashion in his hand, and being surrounded by family and friends. Sometimes we'd let him sing Journey, but not too often for the sake of our ears.

There are many words that we could use to describe Johnie and the best thing we could ever say about him is that he was a family man. He loved and adored all of his boys and had built a beautiful life with his loving wife, Shari. There was no limit to Johnie's love. It didn't matter where the game was being played or coached, he was always there to support his boys. His life was filled with adventures with Shari by his side. They were inseparable. I'm sure he even enjoyed Shari's mini pool with her, though he'd never admit it.

Johnie was the type of guy that would take the shirt off his back and give it to you. He may talk shit the entire time doing it, but he wouldn't have hesitated. Some of his favorite past times were gambling, hunting (especially when Payton Manning shows up), spending time at the lake, golfing, getting his ass kicked by Nick and Matt in Cornhole, and going on wagon rides in the wild, Wild West. In his earlier days, you could have found him at the race track with his pit crew: Ronnie. Carlton, and his dad, John Ford.

There really isn't much that Johnie hasn't done in his short 53 years of life and in those 53 years he relentlessly and unconditionally loved all those around him, and all those around him relentlessly and unconditionally loved him. He will continue to be the smile on our faces and the memories we made with him will last a lifetime.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, John O. Watson, G.A. Pinson, and sister, Kimberly Royer-Watson.

He is survived by his wife, Shari Watson; son, Nick (MK) Watson; Dylan (Angel) Smith, Dalton Smith, Dayton Smith, Blayne (Brooke) Horton, Matt (Erin) Horton; in-laws, Pat and Herb Eggert; brother-in-law, Terry Caldwell; nieces, Lilli Royer and Rachel (Blake) Cartwright; nephews, Zach (Anna) Caldwell, Tyler (Danielle) Caldwell; grandmother, Louise Pinson; granny, Evelyn Watson: aunt, Diane (Van) Rice: parents. John Ford and Phyllis Watson.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday. January 4, 2023 at the AWA property located at 8088 HWY 31 N., Lonoke, Arkansas. A burial will be held at Brownsville Cemetery directly after. A visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 11:00 am.