Noia "Herbert" Watts

             Noia “Herbert” Watts, age 88, of Hot Springs entered his Heavenly Home Tuesday, February 20, 2024.  He was born September 13, 1935 in Alpine, Arkansas to the late John Anderson and Jessie Blanche Watts.  

Herbert started his working career in the oil fields in South Texas.  Later, he moved to Houston where he was a fireman for 8 years.  In 1964, Herbert moved back to Arkansas and began working as a police officer in Arkadelphia.   During that time, he surrendered to preach.  Herbert moved to Little Rock where he could attend the Missionary Baptist Seminary.   In 1967, he moved to Hot Springs to paster his first church, Red Oak Missionary Baptist Church.  For the next 50 years, Herbert pastored churches in Arkansas, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Utah.  When Herbert was not ministering, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working outside.  He was a member of Red Oak Missionary Baptist Church.  

Herbert was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Dorothy Wade and Johnnie Palmer; and brother, Robert Watts.

            Left to cherish his memory, his wife of 67 years, Sue Watts of Hot Springs; daughter, Rhonda (Dave) Durham of Sherwood; son, Herb Watts of Hot Springs; grandchildren, Aaron (Codi) Watts, Nic Watts, Megan Watts, all of Hot Springs, Michael Durham of Russellville, Teddy (Julia) Durham of Branson, Missouri; great-grandchild, Alexander Watts of Hot Springs; sister, Kalita Smith of Daisy; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and church family.

            Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, February 23, 2024 at Ruggles-Wilcox Chapel in Arkadelphia.  Funeral services are 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Red Oak Missionary Baptist Church in Hot Springs with Brother Dustyn Lewis and Brother Joe Bob Smith officiating.  Burial will follow at Jones Cemetery in Amity.  Pallbearers are Herbert’s nephews.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Building Fund at Red Oak Missionary Baptist Church, 2791 Highway 290, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913.  

 Arrangements by Smith Family Funeral Homes-Arkadelphia, 517 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas.  www.smithfamilycares.com.