Carl Edwin Watkins

Carl Edwin Watkins, 73, of East End, passed away December 11, 2015. He was born February 17, 1942 in East End, Arkansas to the late Ira Schirschle and Clara Mae Bradford Watkins. He graduated from Sheridan High School and retired from Orbit Valve. Carl was a gifted musician, lead guitar player and Deacon at East End Assembly of God. The rock of our family, he was a man of few but mighty words. Above all he loved playing music for the Lord. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Emma Belle Palmer, and brother, George Watkins. He is survived by his gracious wife of 52 years, Letha Mitchell Watkins; children, Leann West (Kenn) and Brian Watkins (Robin); grandchildren, Kent West (Jessica), Keifer West (Amber), Zac Watkins, Caleb McMunn and Trace Watkins; four great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Hicks (Wayman), brother, Ira Watkins (Leisa); numerous extended family and his fuzzy armpit companion, Missy (his dog). The family would like to thank the staff at Baptist Health Extended Care Hospital for all of their encouragement. They would also like to thank John Hicks, nephew, for his care and support. Memorials may be made to East End Assembly of God Church, 21608 N Springlake Road, Hensley, Arkansas 72065. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, December 14 at East End Assembly of God Church, officiated by Pastor Bob Minick. Burial will be in Salem Cemetery, East End. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, December 13 at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.