The city of North Little Rock is mourning the tragic loss of Clyde “Skeet” Hawkins, a beloved father, friend, and community figure who was shot and killed in a devastating incident Thursday evening. Known affectionately as “Bigskeet,” Hawkins was cherished not only by his family but by countless neighbors and friends who admired his warmth, humor, and unwavering dedication to the people he loved.
His death has shaken the community to its core and left many searching for answers in the wake of sudden violence.According to North Little Rock police, officers were dispatched shortly before dusk after multiple 911 callers reported gunfire near a residential area on the east side of the city. When first responders arrived, they found Hawkins unresponsive with life-threatening injuries.
Despite efforts by medics to save him, the 42-year-old father was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators have not yet released detailed information about the suspect or motive, but they have confirmed that the shooting does not appear to be random. Detectives continue to canvass the neighborhood, reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses who heard the rapid burst of gunfire.
For those who knew him, the loss feels deeply personal. Friends say Hawkins was the kind of man who showed up—always willing to lend a hand, offer a shoulder, or bring a smile to someone’s hardest day. His children, whom he often called his greatest blessing, were the center of his world. Family members describe him as a protector, a provider, and a man whose love was as big as his personality.
A memorial is already forming at the site of the shooting, where candles, flowers, and handwritten notes reflect the heartbreak spreading across North Little Rock. Loved ones are now planning a public vigil to honor Bigskeet’s life, ensuring that his spirit, generosity, and legacy are never forgotten.
