WILLARD PERKINS

March 10, 1929 - May 18, 2016

Willard C. Perkins Jr : 87 years . Passed away on May 18, 2016 in his home in Merritt Island, Florida. He was born on March 10, 1929 in Oakpark, Illinois. Son of Florance Horne Perkins and Willard C Perkins Sr. He received his pilots license at the age of 16. He then joined the US Army where he served from 1946 to 1949 in the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Upon returning to the states he went to work for his father at Perkins Quality Manufacturing. He also was a member of the Civil Air Patrol, where he taught and gave flying lessons. He was an active member of the Shrinners. June 23,1952 he was married to his bride of 64 years Barbara Jean Juby of Elgin, Illinois. They were blessed with 4 children of their own and a foster daughter. He also has 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He enjoyed bowling, golf, photography, and his family. He also served at the alter and administered sacraments to the ill for many years at Gloria Dei Episcopal Church. He never met a stranger and gave his heart to all he knew. He was the rock and glue that held us all together no matter what happened in our lives. He never gave up and fought until the end to be here for his wife and children. We will miss him dearly and shall keep him in our hearts forever. He was preceeded in death by His parents Florance and Willard Perkins, Sr his grandson Justin Perkins Ross, and grandaughter Danielle E. Reed. He is survived by his wife Barbara J Perkins, Daughters Lynn Marie Perkins , Sharon K. Reed, Kimberli A Feguson(son-in law Sam Ferguson), Sheryl Smyth (foster daughter), Son Mark W. Perkins (life partner Cory Butler), Grandsons Mathew A. Ross, Joshua J Fackler (wife Morgan), Christopher Gage Ferguson, Great grandchildren Treyton A Ross and Haley Hendley. There will be a small sevice for family members and friends at a later date, where he will rest in eternal peace at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the local SPCA.