James Edward Perkins

James Edward Perkins, 86, of Florence, passed away on July 30, 2017 at Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital.  He was a member of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Florence. He was a life-time member and past president of the Alabama Propane Gas Association.

Jim was born and raised in Rhodesville, Alabama to James Harvey “Trigger” Perkins and Estelle Holliman Perkins. He graduated from Waterloo High School. He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Mildred in Iuka, MS on March 21, 1951.  Jim joined the United States Air Force in 1951 and served 21 years as an air traffic controller.  They made a home for their two children, Roger & Debbie in Illinois, Georgia, North Carolina, Izmir, Turkey, California, Tennessee and Florida. He also served in Vietnam where he was stationed in Saigon during the TET Offensive. He retired from the Air Force in 1972 and moved his family back home to Florence.

His second career was in the propane gas industry working for Tri-Cities Gas and Suburban Equipment Company.  He and Mildred traveled through-out the South East.  His greatest job was taking care of Mildred after she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.  Jim was an avid golfer and outdoorsman. He loved his family, friends and his church. He loved to laugh and “fellowship” with his friends. He loved life.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Frances Perkins; brother, Charles Perkins and sister, Joyce Franklin.

Survivors include his son, Roger Dale Perkins (Charlotte) of Florence; daughter, Deborah Locklear (Dennis Glenn) of Niceville, Florida; brother, Billy Ray Perkins (Myra) of Greenhill, Ala.; sister, Sarah Irons (Bobby) of Florence; grandchildren, Keith Locklear, Anthony and Jessica Balentine and Jared Ellis and great-grandchildren, Sean, Elizabeth and Chase Balentine and Paisley Harris.

Visitation will be at Greenview Funeral Home, on Wednesday, August 2, 2017 from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be at Greenview Funeral Home on Thursday, August 3, 2017 beginning at 11:00 a.m. in Greenview Memorial Chapel.  Rev. Dwayne McDuff will be officiating. Burial will follow in Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to thank Dr. Colvard and members of First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, the EMT’s and ECM ER for taking such great care of our loved one.

Serving as pallbearers will be Keith Locklear, Anthony Balentine, Jared Ellis, Chuck Perkins, Scott Perkins and Chris Perkins.

 Service Information