Obituary of Frederick Perkins

Frederick Wilson Perkins, of 1306 Northfield Street, Greensboro, NC passed away unexpectedly Sunday, June 28, 2009 at Moses F. Cone Memorial Hospital. Fred was born in Ft. Wayne, Indiana on April 2, 1952, son of Thomas and Jean Perkins. He attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI where he played on the Bronco's hockey team. Fred was a lover of nature, hiking, and music; wrote poetry and sketched, as well as participating in many different sports. His love of hockey continued with his sons, where he coached boy's hockey for many years. During all of this time, he was an avid golfer. One of his proudest achievements was climbing to the summit of Mt. Rainier in 1976. Fred's professional life was spent in sales, some for LAD Chemicals, Clairol, and several golf equipment companies, most currently Bridgestone Golf in Covington, GA, where he was Director of National Accounts. He was the consummate business partner and friend, greeting clients with a wide smile, a firm handshake, and, 'Hi! I'm Fred Perkins, what can I do for you'' He loved people, was never petty, never held a grudge, and loved, protected, and provided for his family unselfishly. Fred never knew a stranger. This world will be a lesser place without his physical presence, but the impact Fred had on those that knew and loved him will live on forever in our hearts. Fred and his wife Debbie attended Westover Church in Greensboro, NC. He leaves to mourn him, his devoted wife, Debbie and her family of Greensboro, NC; his parents, Thomas and Jean Perkins, of Dearborn, MI; his sons, Michael, of Charleston, SC and Andrew, of Santa Fe, NM; sister, Susan Trautmann and husband Gene, of Round Rock, TX; brother Dr. Henry Perkins and wife Helen, of San Antonio, TX; Julie Perkins, of Greenville, SC, the mother of his sons; as well as his nephew, nieces, many cousins, friends, and colleagues across the country. A memorial service to celebrate Fred's life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, MI on Friday, July 10, 2009 at 2:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, the Arbor Day Foundation Trees in Memory, Camp Skyline C/O First Presbyterian Church, 1669 West Maple Road, Birmingham, MI 48009, or the charity of one's choice. Lambeth-Troxler Funeral and Cremation is assisting the Perkins family. On line condolences may be made at www.lambethtroxlerfuneralhome.com