Steven D Wilkins

Doug was born on March 26, 1973, in Batesville, Arkansas, to his mother, Sandy Shuck. His uncle, Richard Wilkins, held a special place in his life, stepping in and becoming the father figure Doug needed through his love, guidance, and support.

Doug was an incredibly hard worker who spent his career in construction and roofing. But above everything else, Doug was a family man. He worked hard his entire life to make sure his family was always taken care of. He was a provider and protector who consistently put the needs of others before his own.

Doug married his wife, Melissa Wilkins, in 1995, and together they shared more than 30 years of marriage and built a life and family that meant everything to him. He was a proud father to his son, Dakota Wilkins, and his daughter, Lacey Wilkins and her husband Jalen Goree. He loved and cared for his in-laws Howard and Lora Ledgerwood as if they were truly his own parents.

One of Doug’s greatest joys was being “Pipi” to his grandchildren, Kinlee Wilkins, Parker Wilkins, Beau Goree, and Addie Mae Goree. He treasured his time with them and was always there for them.

Doug took great pride in his small farm, the Soap Hill Cattle Co., where he was affectionately known as "Boss Man" by his farm hands. He was an avid collector of firearms, but his true passion was found on the ball field. He spent years helping coach his son’s and grandsons' teams, often saying that the love he received from the kids—and the pride he felt whenever he heard them call out, "Hey, Coach Doug"—far outweighed any instruction he provided. Doug lived a life of service, always going above and beyond to help those in need, never expecting anything in return.

Doug leaves behind his loving wife, Melissa; his children, Dakota and Lacey; his four beloved grandchildren; his mother, Sandy; his uncle and father figure, Richard; his siblings, Stephanie Belter and Kelly Wilkins; his in-laws Howard and Lora Ledgerwood nd many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

Fifty-three years was nowhere near enough. Doug will be remembered as a hardworking provider, a devoted husband and father, a proud Pipi, a loyal friend, and the “Boss Man” so many knew and respected.

His greatest legacy will live on through the family he loved and provided for, the people he helped, and the countless lives he touched.

He was a provider. He was a protector. He was a family man. He was deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed.