Gene Edwin Perkins

Gene Edwin Perkins a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and husband, was received into the hands of God, Friday, September 22, 2023. Gene, the second oldest of 6 children, was born January 18, 1939 in Effingham, South Carolina to Willie Lee and Christine Perkins. He attended the local grade schools and graduated from Wilson High School in 1957. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served admirably for 20 years, even receiving the Meritorious Service Medal during his tour in Vietnam. He met and married the beautiful Johnnetta Downs in Michigan in 1963 and enjoyed a wonderfully happy partnership until her death in 2001. They were loving devoted parents of three children who are so grateful for such amazing parents. They chose Fort Worth, Texas as their home after Gene had served in several states and in Europe. After retiring from the USAF, Gene began a second career as the director of Information Technology for the Fort Worth Independent School District, retiring for a 2^nd time in 1997.

Gene always found time to spend with his family, instilling values and morals to his children and their friends enabling them to be successful adults. He loved sports and played throughout his early adult years, and enjoyed his favorite sports with his children, even becoming a season ticket holder for his favorite team the Dallas Cowboys for many years. Gene never met a stranger and loved entertaining his many family and friends with his famous BBQ skills. He had a great sense of humor and there was nothing he could not fix or repair for anyone. He was the neighborhood dad to all his children’s friends and their home was always filled with love and laughter.  He loved sports, building things, keeping up date with all the latest technology, and keeping his lawn immaculately manicured. He was a devoted Christian and churchgoer, and after his beloved Johnnetta passed, moved back to his birthplace in South Carolina where he married Frances J. Perkins in 2006. He rejoined his childhood church Savannah Grove Baptist Church in Florence, South Carolina and enjoyed teaching Sunday School and Bible Study until his health began to fail him. He moved back to Texas in 2021 to spend more time with children and grandchildren who doted on him. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife of 38 years Johnnetta Perkins and three brothers, Curtis, Willie Lee, and Clyde Perkins. He is survived by his wife, Frances J. Perkins, son, Wesley T. Perkins of Fort Worth, Texas; two daughters, Dr. Britine L. Perkins (Walter) of Cypress, Texas and Genise Perkins Thomas (Patrick) of Mansfield, Texas; seven grandchildren, Austin R. Burton, Jalen Simon, Avery Wren, Patrick C. Thomas, Ian Perkins, Kylie Perkins, and Nina Johnnetta Simon; sisters, Margaret Perkins Howard of Washington, DC and Alfreida Perkins Black of Florence, South Carolina and host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and his many friends who all thought of him as their father. He also leaves behind his devoted caretaker for the last few years, Elizabeth Shodipo who help make his last years full of friendship and laughter of which we are grateful.

Flowers are welcomed and contributions can be made to the Perkins familly as well.