Mr. Melvin Carroll Watson passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2023 in Jonesboro, Louisiana.  He was 87 years old.  "Sonny," as he was known to his family and friends, was a residential and commercial painter for 60 plus years and was an avid fox hunter.  He also enjoyed coaching slow-pitch softball over the years.  Sonny especially loved attending his grandchildren's sporting events.  In his early years, Sonny played high school basketball and baseball and he participated in rodeos as a bareback rider.

Mr. Watson is survived by his son, Sonny Watson and wife, Stacey; daughter, Sabrina McDonald and husband, Nathan; grandchildren, Kristopher Watson (Anna), Marley Ammons (A.J.), Zach Watson (Jessica), Logan McDonald (Abbie), Landon McDonald; great-grandchildren, Isabella Ammons, Sawyer Ammons, Jack Watson, Molly Watson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Sonny was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Sue (Kelley) Watson; father, Elbert Jack Watson; mother, Vernice (Rowe) Watson; and sister, Lanelle (Watson) Nolley, infant sister, Sandra Ann Watson.

Friends may visit with the family from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro.  The funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM on Thursday, June 22, 2023 in the chapel, with Bro. Robert White officiating.  Burial will follow in the Zion Rest Baptist Church Cemetery near Weston, under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.

Serving the family as pallbearers will be Travis Reed, Don Reed, Matt Reed, Rodney Kelley, Mark Kelley and Keith Burns.  Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Kelley, Danny Kelley and Travis Caskey.