Patty Kay Gentry Montgomery Watson
of Melbourne, Arkansas

Patty Kay Gentry Montgomery Watson, 64, of Melbourne, Arkansas, passed away May 6, 2026, at her home. She was born May 13, 1961, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Annetia Gay Gentry and the late M.B. Gentry.

Patty was the kind of person people don't forget. She loved deeply, worked hard, and showed up—whether you needed help, a laugh, or just someone to sit with you awhile. She spent her life taking care of others, not because she had to, but because that's simply who she was.

Though born in Arkansas, Patty spent her early years in North Carolina before returning to Arkansas to build her life. In Searcy, she met Mark Montgomery, and together they created a home centered around love and family. They welcomed their son, Colt, in the summer of 1985. In 1992, they moved to Melbourne, where Patty would put down deep roots and become a familiar, friendly face to so many.

Patty had a gift for making people feel welcome. Whether she was working at Four Seasons Florist—where her creativity and eye for beauty shined—or later at Dr. Brad Wheelis' dental office, she built relationships that lasted far beyond the workplace. For 26 years, she was a proud member of the "Wheelis Dental Girls," a group she loved like family. At the time of her passing, she was part of the team at Izard County Abstract, where she continued doing what she always did best—connecting with people.

After losing Mark in 2007, Patty found love again with Tony Watson. Together, they built a life full of simple joys—time in the woods, sitting by the creek, and sharing quiet moments in the deer stand. They were true partners, best friends, and constant companions. If you knew Patty, you knew how much she loved that life.

She was tough, too—strong in ways that didn't always need to be said out loud. Patty was an accomplished hunter, taking deer, turkey, and even a bear over the years, something she was quietly proud of. She loved the outdoors, but more than that, she loved who she shared it with.

Her faith was steady and important to her. Patty was a longtime member of Melbourne First Baptist Church, where she was known for her servant's heart and willingness to help wherever she was needed.

One of Patty's greatest joys was her family—both the one she was born into and the one she built along the way. She loved her "bonus" children and grandchildren as her own and took pride in every one of them.

She is survived by her husband of fourteen years, Tony Watson of the home; her son, Colt Montgomery (Kaydie Campbell) of Melbourne; stepchildren, Bailey Everett (Chad) of Oxford, Logan Holliday (Sammie Jo) and Levi Watson of Little Rock; her mother, Annetia Gentry of Goldsboro, North Carolina; her brothers, Tim Gentry and Mark Gentry (Holly), both of Goldsboro; her sister, Pam Long of Statesville, North Carolina; and aunt Nancy Gilliam,  and her grandchildren, Emma Jones, Coby Everett, Jude Everett, Harlin, Raylin, Annalin, Gatlin, and Nolin Holladay. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and a wide circle of friends who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her father, M.B. Gentry; her first husband, Mark Montgomery; his parents, Leon and Lorene Montgomery; her sister-in-law, Lynn Gentry; her brother-in-law, Merle Long; and her father-in-law, Lee Campbell Watson.

Visitation will be held Monday, May 11, at Melbourne First Baptist Church beginning at 12:00 p.m., with funeral services following at 2:00 p.m. with Rick Burke officiating. Burial will follow at Combs Cemetery under the direction of Eddie's Family Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Bruce Street, Kevin Hardaway, B.J. Gillespie, John Gay, Cavin Hall, and Torrey Bishop. Honorary pallbearers include Mary Bishop, Christi Massey, Tojo Massey, Michael Don Watson, Kohl Caraway, Danny "Boscoe" Moser, Charles Everett, David Gay, Dennis "Hogman" Perry, Alex Baldwin, Dean Hastings, Matthew Wheeley, Ryan Dowdle and Joe Gay.

Patty will be remembered for her kindness, her strength, and the way she made people feel like they mattered. She leaves behind a space that cannot be filled—but a life that will not be forgotten

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Melbourne First Baptist Church PO Box 554 Melbourne, AR Patty Watson Decorating Fund.