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Gary Hubert Perkins, 78, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 8, 2024, following a prolonged illness. He was in the company of his family when the Lord called him home.

He leaves behind his wife Rita of 53 years; sons, Samuel (Angel) Perkins and Bradley (Amy) Perkins; granddaughter, Bailee Statzer; sisters, Wanda Frye and Deloris Shelton; and brothers, Dexter (Mandy) Perkins and Joe Perkins.

He was predeceased by his son, Gary DeWayne Perkins; parents, “Jake” and Shirley Perkins; sister, Faye Philyaw; and brother, Rodney Perkins.

Gary pastored Sovereign Grace Buck Mountain Baptist Church for nearly 20 years, where Pastor Enos Gingrich now continues the message. Gary pastored other local churches over his 40-year ministry. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving during the Vietnam War Era.

A Celebration of Life service was held at Memorial Funeral Chapel at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, February 11, with Pastors Enos Gingrich and Gabe Stalnaker officiating. The family welcomed relatives and friends on Sunday at 5 p.m. until the service hour at 6:30 p.m. A graveside service will be held on Monday at 2:30 p.m. at the Perkins Cemetery in Roan Mountain (located behind the Upper Shell Creek Christian Church) with Pastor Enos Gingrich presiding. Active pallbearers are Brad Perkins, Sam Perkins, Brian Blair, Terry Jones, Joe Sell, Justin Hyder, Tony Moody, Mike Harrald and Kenneth Bowers. Honorary pallbearers are Harold Brewer, Sherman Knaack, Ray Blair, Steve Blair, Jerry Norris and Damos Grogg. The family extends their gratitude to all the relatives and friends who have visited and offered their help over the years; and to the staff of the Johnson City Medical Center, VA Mountain Home Medical Center and Community Living Center. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 to aid cancer patients and research, or to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605-4255. Family and friends will assemble at the cemetery at 2:20 p.m. Monday. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website, www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Perkins family.