WATSON WILCOX, RUTH - Faulkner County, Arkansas | RUTH WATSON WILCOX - Arkansas Gravestone Photos

Ruth WATSON WILCOX

Spring Hill Cemetery
Faulkner County,
Arkansas

Kenneth Wilcox
June 2, 1931 - Dec 4, 2018

Ruth
April 5, 1935 - November 10, 2009

Married May 2, 1952

*Obituary

Ruth Watson Wilcox went to meet the Lord on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009. She died at home surrounded by her loving family after a one year illness.
Ruth was a lifelong member of Springhill Baptist Church.

On April 5, 1935 her life's journey began in a log cabin on Horseshoe Mountain, Greenbrier, AR. She was preceded in death by her father, whom she adored, Faber Watson. He was a longtime Faulkner County politician who served in many capacities including County Judge.

Ruth is survived by her husband of 57 years and the love of her life, Kenneth Wilcox. Also surviving her are four children: which includes two daughters, Kay Ferguson of Greenbrier and Suellen Davidson of Melbourne, and two sons, Kenny Wilcox of Greenbrier and Sam Wilcox also of Greenbrier.

She also leaves eleven beautiful grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The grandchildren include: Katie, Beau, Luke, Gabe, Patrick, Annie, Jordan, Rhett, Sunny May, Nicholas and Blue.

Also surviving her is her mother, Mildred Beene Langford and one brother, Kelley Watson both of Conway.

Besides her family, Ruth's passion was her work. After graduating from Arkansas State Teachers College (UCA) she began her 20 year career in education at Greenbrier High School teaching English. She later moved to the Conway School District where she was a high school guidance counselor. Her students had the greatest respect for her. Ruth had compassion for all the students, especially those with the greatest needs.

In 1964 she and her husband started Wilcox Oil Company. where she capably juggled her education career as well as managing the bulk plant where they distributed Mobil products. In 1972 they opened the first of nine convenience stores (Wilcox Country Stores). She retired in 2003.

Ruth was a true nature lover who enjoyed her flowers, herbs, birds and wildlife. The last several years one of her joys was to visit Santa Fe, New Mexico. While following her son Kenny's rodeo career, she and her husband fell in love with the west. She loved the turquoise blue Santa Fe sky.

Those who knew her would describe her as a true southern lady. She loved preparing food for others, and especially loved the holiday preparations for her family.
Ruth was a fiercely loyal friend and an extremely generous woman. She will be missed greatly.

Services are 2 p.m. Friday at Springhill Baptist Church with burial in Springhill cemetery with Bro. Ed Stevenson officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the church.

Pallbearers are Luke and Rhett Ferguson, Blue, Beau, and Gabe Wilcox, Patrick, Jordan and Nicholas Davidson.

Honorary pallbearers: Mary Jo Abernathy, Susan Bentele, Jean Burgess, Irene Clark, Kay Clifton, Jody Glover, Nancy Holyfield, Susan Jackson, Mary Lou Jumper, Linda McKim, Mickie Medina, Miriam Scott, Geneva Stephens, Helen Tapley, and Linda Thornton.
The family requests memorials be made to Springhill Baptist Church Library fund.

www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

*Obituary

Kenneth Wilcox went to meet the Lord on Tuesday, December 4, 2018. He died at Conway Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loving family after a variety of health issues and a brief hospital stay. Kenneth was the son of Samuel Wayne Wilcox and Clarice Brunell Milam Wilcox and a life-long resident of Faulkner County. He was also a member of Springhill Baptist Church. Nine years ago he bid an earthly farewell to his wife of 58 years, Ruth Maryland Watson Wilcox and less than three years later, he had to undertake the unenviable task of saying goodbye to his son, Samuel Wayne Wilcox, II. Along the way, he also watched siblings laid to rest including four brothers, Doyne Wilcox, Dennis Wilcox, Wiley Wilcox and Harry Thrash; three sisters, Lula Hall, Jewell Dean Boswell and Mary Mitchell. At the time of his passing, his sister, Janelle Stanton was also hospitalized in CRMC and passed away within hours of his death.

Kenneth is survived by three children; Kay Ferguson (Mike) of Greenbrier, Kenny Wilcox of Greenbrier, Suellen Davidson (Pat) of Melbourne, Arkansas. He leaves behind eleven grandchildren; Katie, Beau (Shannon), Luke (Jessica), Gabe (Haley), Patrick (Emma), Annie (Garrett), Jordan (Kate), Rhett, Sunny May (Bucky), Nicholas and Blue. In addition there are four great-grandchildren; Graham, Hayes, Theo and Leo. Kenneth has one remaining sibling, his baby brother Cecil Wilcox of Conway with whom he shared a very special bond. For the last five years, Kenneth was able to stay at home because of wonderful care provided by Jeannette Paulson, Judith Freese and Mora Bryson. Their love and support for him will never be forgotten.

Kenneth was constantly thinking of new ideas and pursuing new passions. In 87 and a half years, he managed to pack three or four lifetimes of colorful adventures, stories, and unrivaled affection for his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family and countless friends. He worked for the Arkansas Forestry Department for over 20 years, raised turkeys and cattle, owned several businesses including a Mobil Oil Distributorship and Wilcox Country Stores. He was a realtor, entrepreneur and a man of big ideas.

Reared in the Great Depression in a large family with few resources, Kenneth showed an uncommon savvy in the ways of buying, selling and trading. He was blessed with the gift of gab and a dogged determination to make deals and cultivate an enterprise from modest beginnings. He will be laid to rest in the coming days having completed his journey successfully. He made sure those he loved were well cared for and supported. Whether he was making generous gifts to his loved ones or simply springing for someone's lunch at Holly's Country Cookin', his favorite afternoon haunt for the last several years of his life, he gained genuine joy from just being a helpful, supportive, and generous man. He never complained, began his conversation with "Hey, neighbor" and ended with "Have a blessed day". In Kenneth's view, every day is a good day.

Kenneth will be laid to rest at Springhill Baptist Church and buried at Springhill Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, December 7 at 1 PM and the funeral immediately following at 2 PM. In celebration of his full life, donations may be made to Springhill Baptist Church or Renewal Ranch. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway

www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

Photo & obituaries submitted by Donna Hawkins

Contributed on 12/21/10 by eagle12953
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Record #: 431889

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Additional WATSON WILCOX Surnames in SPRING HILL Cemetery

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Submitted: 12/21/10 • Approved: 1/30/23 • Last Updated: 2/2/23 • R431889-G431888-S3

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