Joe Earl Watford

On December 8, 2025, Joe Earl Watford passed away peacefully at the age of 86. Born in Benoit, Mississippi, on July 16, 1939, Joe Earl lived a life defined by devotion to his family, his community, and the land he loved.

He attended Skene High School and later Mississippi State University, where he earned a degree in accounting. He went on to receive a Master of Business Administration from Delta State University. Guided by a strong work ethic and steady wisdom, Joe Earl built a successful career as the owner of Big River Seed Company in Cleveland, Mississippi. Over the years, he earned a reputation for integrity, reliability, and deep agricultural expertise. After retiring from the business, he embraced a second calling in farming, a pursuit that brought him tremendous joy and fulfillment.

A dedicated community leader, Joe Earl served in numerous agricultural and civic organizations. His roles included President of the Bolivar County Farm Bureau Federation, President of the Southern Seedsman’s Association, President of the National Soybean Association, member of the Cleveland Lions Club, honorary lifetime board member of Mississippi Farm Bureau, and member of the Save A Life Foundation. He was a lifelong member of Skene Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher, treasurer, and deacon.

Those who knew Joe Earl will remember him as a smart, confident, and giving man. Joe Earl was always ready to lend a hand, offer advice, or share a good story. He found great joy in reading, farming, and helping others. These passions shaped the way he cared for his family, his community, and his faith.

He is survived by his two children: Julie Thimmes (Steve) of Olive Branch, Mississippi, Ken Watford of Nashville, Tennessee his brothers Bobby Watford of Cordova, Tennessee, Leon Watford of Oxford, Mississippi, Lewis Watford (Joyce) of Marietta, Georgia, Randy Watford (Kay) of Dacula, Georgia and his sister, Joyce Williams of Drew, Mississippi. He also leaves behind his two granddaughters, Anna Claire Bowen and Kathryn Perkins (Tripp). He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Zonia Watford, his oldest brother James Watford, and his beloved wife of 63 years, Jeanette Watford.

His visitation will be on December 15th, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of the Skene Baptist Church, in Skene, Mississippi, to be immediately followed by his Celebration of Life Service, also at Skene Baptist Church. His burial will be at New Cleveland Cemetery, Cleveland, Mississippi. Ray Funeral Home in Cleveland, Mississippi, is handling his final arrangements.

His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved him, and he will be greatly missed. He has truly left a mark on the lives that he touched.