Ray Henry Watson, 95, of Rolla

Ray Henry Watson, of Rolla, passed away at his home on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at the age of 95.

He was born in Rolla on June 1, 1914, to the late Ivy and Selma (Funke) Watson.

On Aug. 16, 1941, he married Helen Neal, who preceded him in death on July 15, 1996.

Mr. Watson was a veteran of the U. S. Army having served in World War II where he earned a Purple Heart Medal and four Bronze Stars. Ray was a devoted Christian man and was a member of the Fort Wyman Baptist Church.

Ray owned and operated the Vida Store for many years. He was an expert fisherman who especially loved fishing at Bull Shoals Lake. He won multiple fishing awards during his lifetime.

Nothing could beat a good fishing day at the lake for him. He was also an avid hunter and outdoorsman.

Ray was a wonderful father, grandfather, and brother to his family and a dear friend to many.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Helen and Jessie, and two grandsons, Matthew and Mark.

He will be greatly missed by his surviving family which includes his special friend, Della Fleming, of Rolla; three sons, Lloyd Watson and wife Joyce, Rex Watson and wife Penny, and Donnie Watson, all of Rolla; two daughters, Shirley Ray and husband Bob, of Wheaton, Ill., and Linda Hylton and husband Bill, of Woodbridge, Va.; two special brothers, George “Junior” Watson and wife Georgia, and Rodney Watson and wife Anne; his loving sister, Loretta Loughridge; eight grandchildren who were so special to him; and 11 great grandchildren who loved to visit with him, as well as many friends who will miss him;

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, at the Null & Son Funeral Home with Rev. Jack Scudder officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the Ozark Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 2, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Phelps Regional Hospice.