John William Perkins, age 86

John William Perkins, age 86, of Forest City, passed away, Tuesday, September 16, 2014. 

A native of Catawba County, he was a son of the late John W. Perkins, Sr. & Nellie Mae Godfrey Perkins. He was a graduate of Oxford High School in Conover, Kings Business College in Charlotte & attended Garnder-Webb College.  John began his career with M & J Finance Company & in 1966 went to work with First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Forest City where he served for 33 years.  John was first Vice President of the association & later served as President. When First Federal became a part of RBC/Centura Bank John continued to serve as President and retired in 1998. He was a member of Florence Baptist Church, a former deacon, Sunday school teacher, choir member, & served on several committees. He was a charter member of the Civitan Club of Forest City, was on the board of directors for the American Red Cross, Hospice of Rutherford County, & served one term on the board of trustees at Gardner-Webb University. John was also a veteran having served in the US Navy from 1945 until 1949 & was stationed on Guam for 21 months.  He was preceded in death by brothers, Archie Lee Perkins, & Daniel Ray Perkins, & daughter, Janice Perkins Clayton who died in 2000.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Geraldine Hall (Gerry) Perkins of the home, a daughter, Lou Anne Perkins Nelson & her husband Rick of Wall, New Jersey, 5 grandchildren, Jason Clayton, Ashley Reinhardt, Jonathan Clayton, Trey Nelson, Ryan Nelson, & 4 great-grandchildren, Bryce & Laura Brandt Clayton, & Jackson & Henry Reinhardt.

Funeral Services were held at Florence Baptist Church with the Reverend Dr. Bobby Gantt officiating. Interment followed in the Eternal Hills Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the Florence Baptist Church Building Fund, 201 South Broadway St, Forest City, NC 28043, or Hospice of Rutherford County, Post Office Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043. 

Padgett and King Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.