ROLLING FORK — Billy O. Watson died Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at his residence in Rolling Fork. He was 73.

Born in Mississippi, Mr. Watson had lived most of his life in Rolling Fork where he retired from M.D.O.T/Highway Department in 2002. He was a member of Zion Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by a son, David Watson; his parents, Jim and Julia Estelle Watson; three brothers, Buddy Watson, Lee Watson and Banny Watson; and a sister, Hilda Peoples.

Survivors include his wife, Clara Watson of Rolling Fork; one son, Ellis Watson of Vicksburg; two sisters, Mary Fasano of Vicksburg and Linda Towe of Sand Springs, Okla.; two brothers, Roy Watson and Joe Watson, both of Rolling Fork; and two grandchildren.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Deer Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Clyde Pullen officiating. Burial will follow at Mound Cemetery in Rolling Fork. Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. Thursday at Glenwood Funeral Home in Rolling Fork.

Pallbearers will be Ellis Watson, David Johnson, Steve White, Deanie Miller, Walter Lee Watson and Wade Watson.