Stephen "Steve" "Muddy" Watkins

Stephen “Steve” "Muddy" Austin Watkins, 72, of North Little Rock unexpectedly entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on January 20, 2022. Steve was born in Wiesbaden, Germany on April 8, 1949 to the late James and Irene Watkins. Steve proudly served in the U.S. Navy where he learned to cut hair, and following his military service he attended barber college and continued his career as a professional barber, delighting his clients with hilarious stories and becoming lifelong friends with many of them.

Steve was an outstanding and gifted musician, and enjoyed both writing music and performing on the guitar. He also enjoyed attending concerts of various artists and genres of music. From a large arena show of ZZ Top to a hole-in-the-wall dive joint to see Junior Brown, Steve was a consummate fan and student of musicians and their craft.

When not plucking on his guitar, Steve could be found outdoors, hiking, riding mountain bikes, or walking his beloved fur babies, Sadie and Zac.

Despite his love of music and fondness of the outdoors, there was no doubt that the two most important things in Steve’s life was his faith and his cherished wife of almost 30 years, Christine Disanto Watkins. Steve was a devoted member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Marche, AR and spent numerous hours serving and attending various Bible studies and groups. Steve was also a fixture at the Hope Ministry Alliance, serving faithfully every Friday.

Steve loved Chris fiercely, and the two were inseparable from the time they began dating, having been “set up” by her mother. When he married Chris, he became a “bonus dad” to her two sons, Cole and Luke Brewer. Steve loved Cole and Luke as his own, and he was always eager to spend time with the boys, sharing his passions of music and outdoor activities with them. From teaching them to boogie board in the Pacific Ocean to taking them to concerts of up-and-coming musicians, Steve was always active in the lives of his stepsons, and later his three grandchildren as their “Grandpa Muddy.”

Steve was larger than life, and his laughter, his music, his stories, his love of God, and his love of others will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was the embodiment of what Christ called the greatest commandments- to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love others as yourself (Matthew 22:36-40).

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by a brother and a sister.  He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Christine Disanto Watkins, and her children:  Cole and wife Rachel Brewer of North Little Rock and Luke Brewer of Marcella; grandchildren:  Ava, Archer and Adler-Kate Brewer of North Little Rock; one brother, James “Jim” Watkins of Santa Barbara, CA; Brother-in-law Mitch and wife Sharon of Georgetown, TX; Sisters-in-law Denise and husband Wayne Oldham of Virginia Beach, VA and Gia Underwood and husband Tony of Tulsa, OK. Steve is also survived by his miniature schnauzers, Zac and Sadie, who miss him terribly, as well as numerous friends and extended family members.

Visitation is 5:00 to 7:00 PM Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home.  Rosary is 10:00 AM, followed by Mass at 10:30 AM, Thursday, January 27, 2022 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church.  Burial will follow in Immaculate Heart of Mary Cemetery.

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home , 1921 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, 501-758-1170.--