Robert Randall Perkins

On April 6, 2012, Heaven became a happier place as Randy Perkins entered Heaven's Gates. His sense of humor and quick wit are being felt by everyone right now. Randy was a true inspiration to all who loved him as he fought a courageous yearlong battle with AML leukemia. Randy was born in Abilene, Texas, on October 5, 1949 to Gay and Bob Perkins. He attended school at Johnston, Bonham, Lincoln, and Cooper, graduating in 1969. While attending McMurry University, he also fulfilled his military duty by serving in the Army Reserves for 8 years. He completed his BBA in 1975 and began working with his father as an insurance adjuster. He continued his career as he worked at Floyd West, Crum and Forster, and Wardlaw Claims Service. From 1986 until 2000, he travelled the United States working hail storms, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes. He enjoyed meeting, visiting, and helping people with their claims. From 2000 until the present, he worked for Hartman Roofing. He could recall every storm he worked and every roof he sold by date. On July 21, 1974, he married his high school sweetheart, Bitty Wisdom Perkins, and they enjoyed 38 happy years of marriage. On March 8, 1983, their beautiful twin daughters, Shelly and Kelly, were born. They were the love of his life. He enjoyed being a "golf dad" as he attended every tournament during their high school glory days. He raised them to find a mate who loved them as much as he did. And he succeeded in this as well. He had the two finest son-in laws in the world, Brad Gray and Cody Brotherton. They both loved Randy like a father. Not only did Randy acquire these fine men but their beautiful and kind hearted families as well. On April 4, 2011, a Papa was born as Randy witnessed the birth of his grandson, Kinsler Lee Gray. This love transcended all others. His wish was to see him grow old, play baseball with him, and build him a swing set. He will now be Kinsler's Guardian Angel. Randy was well known for his cooking and BBQ skills. Everyone wanted a steak cooked by Perk. He acquired these skills by cooking hamburgers in junior high at the swimming pool at the Westwood Club and doing KP duty in the Reserves. He loved entertaining for family and all his daughters' friends in college. He became their "Abilene Dad". He prided himself on being a "home away from home." He had a passion for hunting arrowheads in the country and also sand dollars at the beach. The annual family trip to the beach was a top priority. Fishing and collecting fishing gear were his favorite hobbies. Randy was a sweet, tough guy who had a heart of gold. He loved to make people laugh, and laugh they did. We are still laughing remembering all the happy, happy times. Randy was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Paula Perkins; and his in-laws, Lee and Ruby Wisdom. He is survived by his wife, Bitty; daughters and sons- in law, Shelly and Cody Brotherton, and Kelly and Brad Gray; grandson, Kinsler Gray; brother-in-law, Lee (Tiny) Wisdom; sister-in-law, Lynn Ann and Larry Yerger; nephews, Kody and Sage Yerger and Justin Perkins, as well as many cousins, aunts, and extended family and friends. The family would like to thank Dr. Vega and Dr. Hirsch in Abilene and Dr. V and Dr. Jeff in Dallas, as well as the many, many nurses and staff who have become our family this past year. God truly sent his angels to help us here on earth. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, at First Christian Church in Abilene with Dr. Don Wilson and Pastor Cody Whitfil officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, April 9, at the funeral home. Memorials may be sent to the Bone Marrow Transplant Center c/o UT Southwestern Medical Center, P O Box 910888, Dallas, TX 75391-0888.