Billy Ray Perkins

Billy Ray Perkins, age 92, of Xenia, passed away July 2, 2024. Billy was born in Hazard, Kentucky on February 29, 1932.

Billy is preceded in death by his birth mother, Linnie Perkins (Maggard); parents, Dewey and Alberta Perkins (Sergent); loving wife of 44 years, Kathryn Faye Perkins; brother, Arnold Perkins and wife, Juanita; brother, Charles Perkins and wife, Doshia; sister, Anna Thompson; grandson, Adam Mason; son-in-law, Glenn Mason; as well as many other well loved in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his four children, Talema Mason, Aaron (Dawn) Perkins, Jon (Kim) Perkins and Jennifer Perkins; grandchildren, Nicholas (Kim) Mason, Tiffany (Jake) Jones, James (Sabrina) Mason, Marisa (Darius) Smith, Torie (Justin) Carpenter, Austin Gastiger and Rosslyn Perkins; 9 great-grandchildren and another blessing on the way; sister, Doris Hannaford; sister-in-laws, Geneva Gillam, Helen Detillion and Lorene Pennington; many nieces, nephews, some with who he shared extra special relationships with. 

Before mapquest, GPS or cell phones, there was a trucker whose name was Billy Ray Perkins. Sometimes we wondered if he helped design the Rand McNally, because he knew directions so well. 

He loved helping people get wherever they needed to go. Dad traveled a total of 49 states. With millions of miles under his belt, not counting driving overseas in the military.

He worked tirelessly to provide for his family. When his loving wife, Faye, became sick, he hung up his thermos and dedicated his days to ensuring she was getting properly cared for. Only the Lord and the nursing home know how seriously he took this responsibility. Bill loved Faye more than anything in this world. He couldn't mention her name without tearing up. They were the epitome of a true love story.

Bill loved God and his country. He served in the Army during the Korean War and left the service as a corporal. After Faye passed, he volunteered at the Dayton VA Hospital for a period of time. 

A faithful church attendee and a devout Christian for 65 years, Bill attended AHOP Church where he used to volunteer. Family meant everything to Bill. In his recent years, his thoughts often dwelled on those he loved and missed so much.

The family he has left behind takes comfort in knowing he is with his Lord and Savior and the army of family who greeted him.

Visitation will be held from 9:00am-10:00am on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at A House of Prayer Church (282 Stelton Rd., Xenia), where funeral services will begin at 10:00am with Mark Brooks officiating. 

Burial will follow at Mound Cemetery in Piketon, Ohio.

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