William Ray Perkins

William Ray Perkins, Sr., age 82, of Newnan, GA., died peacefully on Friday, January 8, 2010 at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Willie Leon Perkins of Terrell Co., GA, his loving wife of 48 years, Pearl Davis Perkins, his sisters Lenny Perkins McPherson, Helen Perkins Fallin and brother, Luther Perkins. Ray was born and raised in Dawson, Terrell, Co., GA where he met and married Pearl Davis. Shortly afterward, Ray entered the insurance field as an agent for Independent Life Insurance Company. They moved their family to Albany, GA and lived there four years. Ray was then transferred to Newnan in 1958 as a district manager for Independent Life Insurance Company. His family joined the First Methodist Church of Newnan where he remained a faithful member for over fifty years. He was a district sales manager for many years with Colonial Life Insurance Company and then operated an independent agency before retiring in 1978. Following his wife Pearl’s death, he was blessed by God with a loving second wife, Annette Hand Drake, whom he married in 1995. He loved God, his family, his church, and his many friends. In his younger years he was an avid fisherman. Building his retirement home on a small lake in the Welcome community, he was able to pass his hobby on to his sons and grandchildren. His special interest were; gardening, cooking, and music. He kept a vegetable garden until last summer, supplying his family and friend with the fresh tomatoes and other vegetables. He was renowned for his biscuits, and the family frequently gathered for food and fellowship. A self-taught guitarist, he founded a gospel band, the “Gospel Heirs” who played regularly for local retirement and nursing homes. Even when his health forced him to give up public performances, he still enjoyed strumming the guitar for pleasure with one or two old friends, or with his grandsons. He is survived by his wife of fifteen years, Annette Hand Drake; his children, Elaine and Steve Luiz, Joyce and Joe Avery, Billy and Susan Perkins, Chris and Julie Perkins, and Greg and Connie Perkins, all of Newnan. He will also be missed by Annette’s children, Pam and Greg Mackey of Lawrenceville, Eric and Wendy Smith of Newnan, and Chris Smith of Douglasville; his loving grandchildren, Tony and Stephanie Luiz and their two daughters Taylor and Sydney of Fortson, GA; Karen L. and Lance Dennis and their four children, Beau and Cody Wade, and Ansley and Cathryn Dennis of Newnan; Alison A. and Jim McKnight and their sons, Brady Barnes and Jay McKnight of Senoia; Craig Morris and Blake Morris of Newnan; Sara P. and Jason Dewberry and their sons Mason and Nathan Dewberry of Newnan; Rebecca P. and Christopher Giles o Milledgeville, GA; Christy Perkins of Newnan; Robyn, Will and Bryan Perkins of Newnan, Madison, Morriah and Christian Mackey of Lawrenceville; and Austin, Logan,and Caroline Smith. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.mckoon.com Funeral services will be held Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 2 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Newnan with Dr. Med. Roach officiating. A private interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery. A reception will follow the service at the First United Methodist Church Parish Hall. The visitation is Saturday evening between 6:00 - 8:00 pm at McKoon Funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 33 Greenville, St, Newnan, GA 30263 McKoon Funeral Home 770-253-4580

William Ray Perkins

September 12, 1927 - January 8, 2010