MILESTONE: L. Arnold Watson

Arnold was born in Wilder Canyon, Idaho, on April 24, 1919. As a young child, his family moved to Sand Hollow, Idaho, where Arnold grew up on a potato farm. He graduated from Notus High School in 1937, where he played trombone in the band, basketball and baseball. He then attended Abilene Christian College in Texas for two years, where he met his wife, Ruby Mae White. The couple was married on April 30, 1939, in Abilene. After spending time preaching in Idaho and California, Arnold received his bachelor’s degree in 1943 from Pepperdine University in Los Angeles. In 1958, he received his master’s from Harding Graduate School of Theology in Memphis, Tenn.

Arnold lived a life dedicated to faith and served numerous Church of Christ congregations across the country as pulpit minister — including the Dearborn Church of Christ Michigan, the Highland Street Church of Christ in Memphis and the Northside Church of Christ and Russell Avenue Church of Christ in Abilene. He served as minister of education for the Richardson East Church of Christ in Texas. 

Arnold spent the latter part of his career in fundraising in Amarillo, Texas, and Atlanta. In addition to full-time pulpit work, Arnold was the featured speaker at gospel meetings all over the United States and led tour groups through the Holy Land. Arnold directed the Church of Christ exhibit at the 1964-65 New York World’s Fair. He was a much-sought-after speaker, a published author and worked several years for the Hallmark Company in Abilene. 

Arnold and Ruby Mae spent countless hours travelling the globe together. He was an avid golfer and a dedicated crossword puzzle enthusiast.

Arnold is preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence M. Watson and Dorothy Alice Watson, and his wife of 74 years, Ruby Mae Watson.

He is survived by three sons — Lawrence Watson and wife Linda of Old Hickory, Tenn.; Lorin Watson and wife Patsy of Abilene; Jerre Watson and wife Rita of Arlington, Texas; two daughters — Ann Ezell and husband George of Wilmore, Ky.; Linda Arnett and husband Jim of Nashville, Tenn.; brother Lloyd Watson and wife Betty of Long Beach, Calif.; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; two nieces; four great-nieces; one great-nephew; and many friends.

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