Mack Watkins[The Kendalls]

Ted Emmons · Post by **Ted Emmons** » 26 Mar 2012 1:07 pm

We lost our dear friend Mack Watkins that was married to Jeannie Kendall and a great lead guitar player. He passed at about 11 p m Sunday night He will be at the Roller-Christensen funeral home in Harrison Arkansas. When I find out more of the details about the funeral I will post them.Keep Jeannie and her family in your prayers. Mac is in a better place. Ted Emmons

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 26 Mar 2012 1:26 pm

I've been looking here every day for news. I was always glad not to see anything. But, I am also relieved that he is no longer going to suffer. Now Jeannie can start to heal. My thoughts go out out to her, the families and all of the friends.

Bill Dobkins · Post by **Bill Dobkins** » 26 Mar 2012 5:02 pm

RIP Mack. Prayers for Jeanie and the rest of the Family.

Ted Emmons · Post by **Ted Emmons** » 27 Mar 2012 6:33 am

Vistation will be at New Hope Baptist Church on Hwy 14 in Omaha Arkansas at 1 pm followed by the funeral at 2 pm on Thursday March 29. Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers Ted Emmons

Jeremiah Hanley · Post by **Jeremiah Hanley** » 27 Mar 2012 7:30 am

Jeannie, We're praying for you! May the Lord be near and give you strength! He loves you so much!

Bill Myrick · Post by **Bill Myrick** » 27 Mar 2012 10:59 am

Ted asked if I had a few pictures of Mack to post. I'm sad as we all are but so thankful for the memories to hold on to. Mack and Jeannie were a blessing to our Steel Guitar Association and we certainly will miss Mack and his visits and talent.

Jeannie with Ted Emmons on vocals at our 8/16/09 Kenny Brant Memorial Service

Same event with Mack on Lead and Steve Melchi on Steel.

Our 09 Christmas Party Two super pickers - Mack & Dino Strunk

Mack putting Dino's James Burton through it's paces

Mack

Mack and Jeannie at our last show in February this year

Mack & Jeannie and "The Movin'Train Band" Steve Melchi on Steel, Ted Emmons on Bass & Vocals and Derek Walker on drums

What a wonderful blessing to have them there and be the highlight of the day and leave us with some fresh and wonderful memories of Mack.

Ted Emmons · Post by **Ted Emmons** » 27 Mar 2012 11:18 am

Bill thank you so much for those photos. Mac loved coming and playing those steel guitar shows and jams with us. I know he's in heaven now pickin with Royce Kendall and Del Reeves and all the great country singers and pickers he worked with down here

Johnny Cox · Post by **Johnny Cox** » 27 Mar 2012 2:49 pm

This is sad news. Mack and I worked together on Del Reeves' band in 1973. He was a great guy.

Dino Strunk · Post by **Dino Strunk** » 27 Mar 2012 2:54 pm

I really am at a loss for words right now. It really has been a rough couple of weeks for me, as well as for so many others, with the loss of both Mack and Dave Owens. Both were such great musicians but even more important, such great friends to all of us. But I also know that they are both doing what they love to do right now....they are playing in God's great band in heaven. RIP Mack and Dave. Lord willing, I'll see you both again in the great jam session in the sky.

Michael Breid · Post by **Michael Breid** » 28 Mar 2012 5:44 am

This is indeed a shock. I loved listening to Mack play at the steel shows in Harrison, Arkansas. My deepest condolences go out to Jeannie and their families. RIP Mr. Mack.

Arkansas Red-Ozark Troubadour
Eureka Springs, Arkansas

ESnow · Post by **ESnow** » 28 Mar 2012 2:53 pm

I sure hated to hear this, especially since I hadn't seen Mack in 10 years. We played a lot of gigs together in the '90's. Sometimes I would get a call for a weekend job, get to the gig and see Mack setting up, that always made my day, or he would call and say lets pick with so and so I always enjoyed working with him. I know he will be missed by many, RIP my friend.

Michael McGee · Post by **Michael McGee** » 28 Mar 2012 6:26 pm

I offer sincere condolences and prayers for Jeannie and family.

Larry Baker · Post by **Larry Baker** » 28 Mar 2012 6:36 pm

Our thoughts and prayers for Jeannie and all the family. We enjoyed seeing Her at Branson in February. Larry Baker and Jean DeVore

Scott Henderson · Post by **Scott Henderson** » 29 Mar 2012 5:35 am

Dino is right it has been a tough couple of weeks.... Our prayers of support and comfort go out to the Family and friends of Mack...I met Mack a hundred years ago when I came to Branson looking for a job. Never got a job but I met some great people including Mack....RIP

Scott Henderson · Post by **Scott Henderson** » 29 Mar 2012 5:36 am

Dino is right it has been a tough couple of weeks.... Our prayers of support and comfort go out to the Family and friends of Mack...I met Mack a hundred years ago when I came to Branson looking for a job. Never got a job but I met some great people including Mack....RIP

Eddie Lane · Post by **Eddie Lane** » 29 Mar 2012 1:20 pm

I always liked for Mack to sit in on the Branson jams. He was a great guitar player and a great guy.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jeannie.

Ted Emmons · Post by **Ted Emmons** » 30 Mar 2012 6:16 am

I want to thank everyone who came to Mack's funeral yesterday. I know Jeannie appreciated seeing how much Mack was loved and respected in the country music community not only as a good musician but as a Christian gentleman that never met a stranger. Barbara Fairchild sang and was awe inspiring with her songs and message of encouragemnt. I know it's going to be tough on Jeannie and her Mom for awhile so please keep them in your prayers God Bless Ted Emmons

Lisa Ray · Post by **Lisa Ray** » 30 Mar 2012 1:00 pm

What a beautiful service it was yesterday for our friend Mack Watkins. From the pictures, the music, and the many folks who came to pay their respects, Mack was very loved and will be very missed.

Winston Street · Post by **Winston Street** » 31 Mar 2012 7:04 pm

Ted it was nice meeting you and so many other of Macks friends at the Church. I agree with you, Barbara Fairchild did an exceptional job singing and uplifting everyone.

I tried to upload the Powerpoing that we put together with Jeannie but couldn't get it to upload. Maybe someone else can tell me how, or I can send it to them and they can upload it.

I'm back in Mississippi now but I hope to come back up within the next couple of weeks and spend some time with you guys. I recieved a phone call from Marilyn and Cliff tonight and they told me that someone has stolen all of the flowers off of Macks and another persons grave there in the church graveyard. We caught some doing that around here but I don't think they'll be doing it anymore. Jeannie doesn't know it yet.

Have a nice weekend and coming week,
Winston

Charlie Vaughn · Post by **Charlie Vaughn** » 12 Apr 2012 8:40 am

Mac Watkins and I were very good friends. We worked together in Atlanta, GA at a club called country green with George Owens. The bass player was Bill Benton, who also died the same week as Mac. Both were good musicians and dear friends. RIP guys I will miss you.