PERKINS Charles (Charlie) Edwin Perkins, Sr. passed away at his home in Neptune Beach, Florida on Sunday, November 15, 2015 after a lengthy illness. He was born November 18, 1929 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He served in the United States Navy Reserves.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion F. Perkins, Sr. and Ida Rogers Perkins;his brothers, Marion F. Perkins, Jr. and James O. Perkins; his sister, Louise Perkins Henderson; and his son Charles (Eddie) Edwin Perkins,Jr.

He was a graduate of Chattanooga High School and the University of Chattanooga. While at UC he was a member and president of PKA Fraternity and a member of Blue Key National Honor Society. After college, he worked for the State of Tennessee, City of Chattanooga and Interstate Life Insurance Company as an accountant.

After years of accounting, he realized he was too much of a people person to work behind a desk. He started his own business and became a sales representative for various companies. This enabled him and his wife to travel the world. His customers became family and regarded him as a trusted friend. After 50 years, he retired at the age of 82.

He had a passion for University of Tennessee sports because of his brother, Marion who lettered in football, basketball, baseball, wrestling and track while at UT. He especially loved the Lady VOLS and would conveniently plan family vacations wherever the Lady VOLS were playing. It always gave him great pleasure to return to Tennessee and visit the Great Smoky Mountains.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sylvia Perkins; four children - Amy Perkins (Dr. Barry) Wagner of Chattanooga, Kelly Perkins (Joe) Lawrence of Lookout Mountain, Bruce (Mari) Strickland of Callahan, FL and Rhonda Thomson of Jacksonville, FL; four grandchildren - Nathaniel Bass of Chattanooga, Abby Bass of Hartford, CT, Tyler Thomson of Jacksonville Beach, FL and Dusty Strickland of Franklin, NC.; and his nephew - James D. (Ashlie) Henderson of Chattanooga. He also appreciated his warm relationship with the Lueders and Carter families.

Charlie loved his wife and best friend, Sylvia. He truly loved all his family and was always there for them. Distance was not an issue. He could comfort his children and grandchildren with just the sound of his voice over the phone. The family appreciates the warm support of friends and neighbors, especially Bill and Deb. Charlie will be loved, missed and remembered by family and friends forever.

In lieu of flowers, Charlie would have loved that donation be made to his two favorite causes: The Wounded Warrior Project or the Jacksonville Humane Society. If possible, please adopt a homeless dog or cat in Charlie s memory.

Visitation with his family will be Wednesday, November 18th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Arlington Park Funeral Home. A celebration of his life will be held Thursday, November 19th at 1:00 p.m. at Arlington Park Funeral Home with his close friend, Reverend Jerry Rouse officiating. a private burial will take place at a later date. Arrangements by Arlington Park Funeral Home, 6920 Lone Star Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32211 (904) 724-6384 www.arlingtonparkfuneralhome.com