Edward Lee Perkinson

ROANOKE RAPIDS — Mr. Edward Lee Perkinson Sr., 80, of 63 Stephens St., died Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, at Halifax Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Perkinson was a member and deacon at Fresh Fire Assembly of God and was retired from J.P. Stevens after 25 years of service. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved fishing and gardening, growing the best tasting tomatoes, cooking and fellowshipping with friends and family, most of all he loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He also loved “Sweet Pea,” his miniature Dachshund.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie Moore and Thelma Carter Perkinson; a sister, Hazel; and a brother, Clifton.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Barbara Simmons Perkinson of the home; his sons, Eddie Perkinson Jr. and his wife, Lara, of Roanoke Rapids, and William “Perk” Perkinson and his wife, Tammy, of Aurelian Springs; his daughters, Susan Gray and her husband, Dan, of Roanoke Rapids, and Debbie Jordan and her husband, Dennis, of Santa Maria, Calif.; a brother, Gordon Perkinson and his wife, Carolyn, of Midlothian, Va.; his sisters, Betsy Harris and her husband, W.B., of Colonial Heights, Va., and Dorothy Powell of Rolesville; his grandchildren, Joshua Perkinson, Zack Carter, Cole and Hayely Perkinson, Crystal and Adam Dickens, Chad Jordan and Abigail MacCarty; and his great- grandchildren, Kaydence MacCarty, Emily, Grace and Ryan Jordan.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m.,  Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Fresh Fire Assembly of God Church.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 22, at the church, with the Rev. Donald Gregory officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Edward Perkinson Sr. Fund, c/o William Perkinson, 10636 Highway 48, Littleton NC 27850.

 Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids is handling the arrangements. 

Online condolences may be made at hockadayfs.com.