Funeral services for Mr. John Edward Perkins, of Water Valley, will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, in the Oliver Funeral Home chapel. Masonic rights will conclude the service in the chapel. Burial will follow in Poplar Creek Nations Cemetery in Kilmichael, MS. Rev. Randy Bridges will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Hunter Moore, Grayson Moore, Brian Perkins, Zachary Baker, Jackson Alvarez, Michael Richardson, and Riley Gray. Ethan Gray will serve as honorary pallbearer.
Visitation will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at Oliver Funeral Home.
John Edward Perkins, 83, passed away Monday, November 4, 2024, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, MS. He was born to Ed Ray and Evelyn Tucker Perkins on May 24, 1941. Mr. Perkins attended Northwest Mississippi Community College and was a United States Veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Water Valley, the Eastern Star and was a 32nd degree Mason, Scottish Rite and York Rite, having membership over the years in the Greenville Lodge, Clarksdale Lodge and Banner Lodge, and most recently serving in the Water Valley Masonic Lodge #402.
He is survived by his wife, Ruth Taylor Perkins of Water Valley; daughter, Jessica Denise Ware (Vince) of Tunica; sister, Betty Davis (Al) of Water Valley; brother, Van Perkins (Linda) of Brandon; and two grandchildren, Veronica Baker of Nashville and Zachary Baker of Memphis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Martha P. Smith.
Memorial contributions may be made to Poplar Creek Nations Cemetery Fund at 488 Highway 413, Kilmichael, MS 39747.
My, the stories that could be told about Johnny Perkins, all good ones. We were in the same high school class at Water Valley. Once, both of us bought guitars from Sears and we were going to be the next Elvis Presley. Well, that didn’t quite work out. So many good memories of a guy whose life was well-lived. So many fine qualities about his life and his family. I shall miss my ole high school buddy. I pray that all his family and friends will be uplifted in the knowledge that his legacy will be told with much appreciation and joy.
Ruth, Jeff and I just learned today of John’s passing. We are so sorry to hear this. Prayers are with you. Verla