Arthur Perkins, Jr., age 96 of Bakersville, NC, took his last breath on earth and his first breath with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on August 7th, 2023, surrounded by his family.
Born on December 27, 1926, in Bartley, West Virginia, Junior was the second child and oldest son of Arthur and Bessie Carver Perkins.
A timber man from an early age, Junior led a woodcutting crew at the age of 16, cutting timber in three states. He was drafted into the United States Army, serving as a member of the 1st Constabulary Force in Germany, 1945-1946. After the war he returned to Mitchell County, where he met and married Louise Murdock in 1949. They were married for 73 years, until separated by her death on July 8, 2023.
Junior worked in the feldspar industry for many years until his retirement in 1988. Afterwards he kept busy with landscaping for others, tending his garden, and helping his neighbors. Junior taught Sunday School first at Rebels Creek Baptist Church, then at Ledger Baptist Church and was a faithful member there until failing health prevented his attendance.
He was preceded in death, in addition to his parents, and his wife, Louise, by sisters Dorothy Bush, Faye Bush, Daphene Bush, Sudie Johnson, Charlotte Shrader, and brother Clarence Perkins.
Left to cherish his memory are his brother Johnny (Geraldine) Perkins of Jonesville, VA, sisters Debbie Perry of Holmes Mill, KY, Ruth Robbins of Ruthhaven, IA, and Lois Bledsoe of Morganton, NC; his children Bruce (Kay) Perkins, Kathy (Mack) Hoilman, and Debra (Randall) Barnett. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Michelle Lord, Crystal Benson, Kevin Hoilman, and Toni Hensley, and four great-grandchildren: Nicole Hensley, Zoe Lord, Tyler Hensley, and Samuel Benson, as well as his church family, many nieces and nephews, and his neighbors.
Visitation for Junior Perkins will be at 6:00 pm on Saturday August 12, 2023, at Webb Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow with the Rev. Bret Hoilman officiating. Graveside services will be at 3:00 pm on Sunday August 13, 2023, at Rebels Creek Cemetery, with military rites provided by the Sgt. EL Randolf Chapter 57 of the Disabled American Veterans.
Words of comfort may be e-mailed to the family by going to the website; www.webbfh.com, selecting Junior Perkins name and then you may sign his guestbook.
Webb Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements for Mr. Perkins and is honored to be serving the Perkins family.
Mr. Perkins obituary has also been posted on Facebook for viewing.
