Obituary
Raymond was born in Stephens, Arkansas on April 2, 1944, to Reverend Early and
Patsy Watson, both who preceded him in death. He attended Carver High School, and
graduated in 1962. He continued his education at AM&N College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
His employment included, but is not limited to: General Dynamics (Love Field), Jeweltex
Jewelers, Gordon's Jewelers, and Zales as a Manager. After his retirement, he continued to
work as a carpenter, mechanic, and a salesman. He dedicated his life at an early age to the
Lord and was a devoted member of Rice Chapel Church in Dallas, Texas until his health
began to fail. He also continued to support his home church, St. James A.M.E. Church in
Stephens, Arkansas.
Raymond had the most giving heart and a true ministry of giving. He always believed in
helping others help themselves. Even when they got on their feet and turned their backs
on him, he still loved them and helped them when they would return. He gave everyone
that needed help a chance. He fed anyone who was hungry and helped several people
start a new life, whether it was housing, helping them with employment, opening a bank
account, purchasing a vehicle, or buying gas so that they could get to work. It really didn't
matter what the need was. He always made things happen because he had a love that was
so unsearchable and real. He always gave people a chance to prove themselves and never
failed to speak the truth whether you liked it or not, and that was the love of God in him.
He loved to see people do good and always supported them in whatever they needed. He
continued to the end of his life giving and helping others.
His ministry of helping people was not limited to people he knew. He gave to several
charities faithfully: St. Jude Children's Hospital, American Red Cross, just to name a few.
He will truly be missed by his loved ones, and by those who were only loved by him. What
a heart he had. His children would ask, "Daddy why do you help people when they don't
even like you, or when they never do what they say they are going to do?" He always
said,"that is between them and God, I have done my part and everyone deserves a chance."
He didn't like gossip or when you talked about someone. He would always say pray for
them. Because he lived a faithful life, it didn't matter what people said about him. His
confidence was in God! He knew the bible and loved God.
He was a huge sports fan and loved the Dallas Cowboys. He also enjoyed watching baseball
and basketball. When the weather was nice, he loved to work in his garden and visit with
his family and neighbors.
He was very active in his children's education and loved volunteering throughout various
schools in the Dallas Independent School District. He assisted with special programs and
events, provided extracurricular support, and served as the PTA president. He received
many honors, such as the DISD 30 year volunteer award for his participation in the school
district. Because of his love and leadership for his children, they received degrees and
served in the U.S. Military.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents Rev. Early and Patsy Watson, his daughter:
Joyce (Keith) Hemphill; his grandson; Denzel Sharp, his brothers: Roy Watson and
MacArthur Watson; Sisters: Shirley Bradley, Alvern Owens, Norma Jones, and Ruby
Monger.
He is survived by his Son, Courtney (Stephanie) Brown of Dallas, Texas, Daughter, Canetra
(Jzamont) Crowder of Dallas, Texas, Son, Rodney (Ellery) Currie of Dallas, Texas, and
Daughter Anita West of Dallas, Texas. Grandchildren: Courtney Brown II, Kassidy Brown,
Keith Hemphill, Jr. Tarrance Hemphill, Jazmyne Currie, Bobbie Joe Majors Jr.,William
Sharp; a very dear friend, Gloria Brown;favorite nephews: Alfred Veasy, Adrian Kenner,
and Cedric Watson. One Sister, Hattie Watson of Stephens, Arkansas; two Brothers: Early
Watson of Chicago, Illinois and Henry Watson of Stephens, Arkansas. He also leaves
behind a host of great grand-children, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.