William D. Perkins Jr.'s Obituary
William Dwight Perkins, Jr. (Bill), 67, of Talladega, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2020. He was predeceased by his parents, William Dwight Perkins, Sr. and Nancy Chain Perkins and his brother_Michael Dewayne Perkins.
A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held for his family at First United Methodist Church in Talladega, Alabama, on Saturday, October 31, at 11:00 a.m. The Reverend Minnie Bailey will conduct the service.
Bill leaves a large circle of family and friends to tell his stories and cherish his life: his wife of 48 years, Jeanne Granger Perkins; his 3 children: Leslie (Rob) Johnson, Matt (Rebecca) Perkins, Jennifer (Steve) Widger; his sister Glenda Perkins Mariano (Vic); grandchildren: David Johnson, Phillip Pilgreen, Alex Perkins, Nick Perkins, Ensley Perkins; Carley (Isaiah) Hayes, Emily Whalen; 2 great grandchildren: Will and Maddie Jeanne Hayes; his extended family and many special friends.
Bill was born in Indiana and, following his father’s construction work, moved many times with his family. He graduated from high school in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, where he and Jeanne met. Bill served in the United States Army for seven years, and he and Jeanne lived in Iran, Germany, and Texas before returning to McComb, Mississippi.
Bill was a master craftsman who was accomplished in all aspects of building and fabricating. He built houses and owned his own roofing company on the Alabama Gulf Coast. He was Trouble Shooter for all aspects of the process for Horizon Ship Yards in Bayou La Batre, Alabama. Bill loved the great outdoors. He hunted with rifles as well as bow and arrows. He and Jeanne enjoyed sailing. Bill crafted his own fishing lures and was happy fishing in any kind of water.
Jeanne and Bill moved to Talladega in 2018 to help care for Jeanne’s father, John Granger. Bill quickly became John’s facilitator—filling his father-in-law’s last years with comfort and great projects and Bad Boy Breakfast Club adventures. He loved Alabama football and watching the deer and critters on the land where he and Jeanne built their retirement home.
When Bill Perkins found in his salvation in Jesus Christ, he committed his life to helping others. He lived his faith in countless acts of caring. He found his church family at Talladega First United Methodist Church. Bill leaves a legacy of love and service to all he encountered.
Memorial donations may be made to FUMC Building Fund or a charity of your choice.
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?