Bruce M Bryant
November 27, 1987 – January 20, 2026
Bruce M. Bryant, who was born on November 27, 1987, passed away on January 20, 2026, at the age of 38 years old. After a public viewing was held on Friday, January 30th, his Life Celebration Service was held in the Paradise Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro, LA, on January 31, 2026.
Burnie “Buddie” Watson
March 4, 1950 – January 30, 2026
Funeral services for Burnie “Buddie” Watson will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Choudrant First Baptist Church with Rev. Gil Arthur officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Calhoun, LA under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.
Burnie Mims Watson, III, affectionately known as Daddy, Pop, Colonel, and Buddie, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the age of 75. Born on March 4, 1950, Buddie was raised in China, Texas, where his love for faith, family, country, and the cowboy way of life took root.
Buddie was a man of deep and abiding faith. He loved the Lord and served Him faithfully, allowing his faith to guide his life as a husband, father, grandfather, mentor, and friend.
Buddie was a proud former student of Texas A&M University, Class of 1972, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets. A true Aggie through and through, he was an avid supporter of Texas A&M Football and proudly “bled maroon and white.” Upon graduating from Texas A&M, Buddie served his country honorably in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1997 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after 25 years of dedicated service.
After retirement, Buddie continued shaping young lives as an ROTC instructor at Ruston High School from 1997 to 2009, where he also coached the school’s first soccer team for two years. He later served as a substitute teacher at West Ouachita High School. During these years, Buddie impacted countless students—many of whom stayed in touch with him throughout the years, a true testament to the relationships he built and the lives he touched.
Buddie was a strong, loving father, husband, grandfather, and friend. He loved and protected his family with all his heart and was always in the stands, on the sidelines, or at the arena, cheering his grandchildren on in whatever they pursued. He could often be found at the track, shooting range, baseball fields, or rodeo arena, proudly watching them do the things they loved most.
Buddie’s stories were legendary, his humor infectious, and his smile could light up any room. He was witty, patriotic, positive, and always saw the best in people. He never met a stranger, especially if you were an Aggie, served in the military, or had any connection to rodeo life. He had a remarkable memory for names and dates, always had a word of encouragement or advice for anyone who asked, and always looked out for others.
Buddie was preceded in death by his parents, Burnie Mims Watson, Jr. and Bobbie Faye Surles Watson; in-laws, Augden Walden Short and Mildred Porter Short; and dear friends who were family in every sense of the word, the Schroeder brothers, Ronnie and Tommy.
Buddie is survived by his devoted wife, Jane Anne Short Watson; son, Matthew Watson, Sr. and wife Brandie; daughter, Ammie and husband Lane Mckenzie; sister, Rosemary and husband Mike Randolph; his beloved grandchildren, Augden Watson, Corbin Watson, Saige McKenzie, and McKenzie Lovett; and dear friends who were family, the Schroeder brothers, Bill and Donnie.
His family and friends mourn the loss of a hero, a cowboy, a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a faithful friend. Perhaps Buddie’s legacy is best captured in the simple, powerful words of his granddaughter: “He was kind, brave, and smart.”
A cowboy rides on, his work here complete.