Royce Dwain (R.D.) Johnson Sr
June 6, 1940 — August 24, 2025
Funeral services for RD Johnson, Sr., age 85 of Grayson, was held at 2 PM on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Riser Funeral Home in Columbia. Interment followed at Old Union Cemetery, west of Grayson.
Royce Dwain Johnson Sr was born on June 6, 1940, in Monroe, Louisiana to the union of his parents Boyce and Anna Lou Johnson. He passed from this life on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Cornerstone Specialty Hospital after a brief illness. RD served his country honorably for four years after joining the United States Air Force at the age of sixteen. Following his discharge, he began his civilian career working for Graphic Packaging International in West Monroe. He retired after dedicating forty years of his life to the papermill and built his and his beloved wife Gaytha’s dream home on Caney Lake. RD enjoyed his days fishing and spending time with his family but missed the comradery from years of hard work. He joined the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Department as a reserve deputy and eventually went full-time after realizing his love for police work, serving his community for 15 years before retiring for a second time. RD was also a member of the Columbia Masonic Lodge #164 F&A M and a Shriner. In his spare time, he loved the outdoors, everything from hunting and fishing to gardening. He especially enjoyed his weekly camp night every Thursday night with “the boys”. RD loved and enjoyed his life to the fullest remaining social up until the very end. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Gaytha Johnson; parents; brother, Teddy Johnson; son-in-law, Donnie Jarrell; brother-in-law, Harvey Arrant; sister-in-law, Sherry Bates; and brother-in-law, Rube Bates.
Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Royce Johnson, Jr; daughter, Tonya Gilbert (Keith); sister, Lecolian Arrant; grandchildren: Logan Jarrell (Jeremy Moore), Kristina Hutto (Stven), Avery Gilbert, Brennan Gilbert; three great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Pallbearers were Royce Johnson, Jr., Charles Carter (Hobo), Darrell Arrant, Keith Gilbert, Paul Trosclair, Andy Brown, Wesley Horton, Jared Horton. Honorary Pallbearers were Larry Rogers, Larry Pitard, Danny Perkins, Danny McGrew, Truman Chapman, Ricky Sims and the Jackson Parish Sherriff’s Department.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks for the love and support they have received during this time from the health-care professionals, facilities and staff to his Church family at Siloam Springs Community Church in Jonesboro and finally to his law enforcement family at the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Department. The care and compassion you showed RD and his family during his illness will always be greatly appreciated.
Bobby Watts, Sr.
October 13, 1934 – August 28, 2025
Bobby Watts, Sr. answered the call of Jesus to come home on August 28th, 2025, at the age of 90. He died in his home in Ashland where he was lovingly attended by his children, grandchildren, and siblings. Bobby is survived by his children, Cheryl Clawson (spouse Steve) and Stephen Watts (spouse Leslie); his daughter in law, Linda Watts; his grandchildren: Steven, Sammy, Scott, Stuart, Jonathan, Kelly, Alex, Ben, Matthew, Luke and Karen; along with 14 great grandchildren; his siblings, Edna Cheatwood, Pat Toms and Sam Watts (spouse Charla); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Faye Watts; his oldest son, Bobby Watts Jr.; and his grandson, Stephen (Stevie) Watts.
Bobby was born to J.C. and Lucille Watts on October 13, 1934, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He was the oldest of 4 children. Bobby would tell you as a child the outdoors was his playground. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and swimming in the creek. He was on his high school basketball team and his first job was working on the Saline watermelon patch.
Bobby met his wife of 69 years, Faye Watts, at the parish fair in 1952 and they were married on April 30, 1953. Soon afterward they travelled to Baton Rouge and later Dutchtown where they raised their children. Following their retirement 25 years ago, they returned to live in Ashland with their beloved family and friends. Bobby was a member of Ashland Baptist Church where he served as deacon and was known for his wise leadership and beautifully spoken prayers. Bobby was a devoted brother, husband, father and uncle who will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 at Ashland Baptist Church from 9:30 AM until time of service. Funeral services are set to begin at 11:00 AM with Brother Jonathan Watts officiating. Burial will follow in Old Saline Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home.
Serving the family as pallbearers will be Matthew Watts, Luke Watts, Steven Clawson, Sammy Clawson, Scott Clawson, Stuart Clawson, Logan Watts and Colton Watts.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to the Ashland Baptist Church Youth Fund in Mr. Bobby’s memory.
Dana Kay Williams
July 3, 1979 – August 21, 2025
Dana Kay Williams, age 46, of Quitman, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on August 21, 2025. Born on July 3, 1979, to Beverly Kay Womack Williams and Jackie Ray Williams, Dana was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, and friend whose warmth and kindness touched everyone who knew her.
Dana is survived by her children, Serena Slaughter, Alayna Slaughter, Olivia Williams, and her adopted son, Kolby Williams; her grandson, Asher Howard, and his father, Evan Howard; her loving mother, Beverly Kay Womack Knox; her brothers, Greg Williams and Eric Williams, and sister-in-law, Krissy Williams. She also leaves behind many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and countless friends who were like family.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jackie Ray Williams; maternal grandparents, Richard Leonard Womack and Billie June Womack; paternal grandparents, B.J. and Jeanette Williams; her nephew, Jasper Todd Williams; and her beloved aunt and uncles, Claudia Brown, Chuck Womack, and Bobby Womack.
Dana’s life was defined by her giving spirit and her ability to bring joy to others. Always with a smile on her face, she had a gift for making people laugh and feel loved. She was the heart of her family, a devoted mother who worked tirelessly to provide for her children, ensuring they had everything they needed. Even in her own struggles, Dana put others first, offering support and compassion without hesitation.
A passionate advocate for her community, Dana proudly served as the president of Ruston Volunteers, a nonprofit organization through which she dedicated countless hours to helping others. Her final act of love was choosing to be an organ donor, giving the gift of life to others and becoming a true hero.
Dana will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her love, laughter, generosity, and unwavering selflessness.
Isaiah 40:29–31 says, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Memorial Service: September 7th, 2025 • 5pm • Hodge United Pentecostal Church