BENTONVILLE — Gary Lee Watts

was known as a man who was always smiling and l ove d greeting and hugging people. His favorite activities were birthdays, especially his, attending weddings, dancing and reading his bible.

He passed away peacefully May 15, 2021, at age 58. Gary was born Jan. 5, 1963, in Pine Bluff, Ark., son of Thomas Henry Watts Jr. and Donalda Ruth Offutt Watts.

Beginning at age five, Gary spent 40 years at Jenkins Memorial Center. He enjoyed giving smiles to staff members, students and coworkers at Jenkins until his move to Northwest Arkansas in 2009. When Gary was home, he loved listening to country music.

Gary was a life-long member of First Presbyterian Church of Pine Bluff, where he was a “professional greeter and usher” and attended Sunday school regularly. After his mother passed away in 1967 and father passed away in 1979, he lived with his aunt Betty Offutt Bell and uncle William E. “Bill” Bell, next to the parking lot of the church. After Mr. Bell died in 1988, Betty and Gary were nearly inseparable.

Betty and Gary moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2009, where they became members of First Presbyterian Church in Bentonville. Gary resumed his beloved role as an usher in Bentonville.

Betty preceded Gary in death Feb. 28, 2021.

Along with his parents, aunt and uncle, Gary was also preceded in death by his brother, Tommy Earl Watts, in 2014.

While there are no immediate survivors, Gary touched many extended family members and friends.

A graveside service will be 11 a.m. Monday, May 24, 2021, at Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. Carla Harrel Mathews officiating. Visitation will be Monday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors.

Memorial may be made to Jenkins Memorial Center, 2410 Rike Drive, Pine Bluff, Ark., 71603, or First Presbyterian Church, 901 NE J St., Bentonville, Ark., 72712. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com .