Gerald Perkins

Mr. Gerald Roger Perkins, 91, died in an automobile accident in Cookeville, TN on Monday, May 9, 2016. Mr. Perkins was born in Wilmington, NY on April 16, 1925. Mr. Perkins was a Veteran of World War II, serving with General Patton's Tank Corps at the Battle of the Bulge and taking part in the D-Day invasion. Following the War, he spent 11 months in a sanitarium in New York for service related tuberculosis. After his discharge from the army, he moved to Seattle where he met and married Mary Jane Burke, his wife for 65years until her death in 2013. Mr. Perkins moved back to New York and attended Syracuse University on the GI Bill. He obtained a degree in Philosophy and Journalism, was salutatorian of his class and a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Alter graduation he worked as a manager of advertising and sales promotion for several companies including GE (General Electric), Atlantic Steel and Lockheed. He then co-founded PI (Performance Improvement), a computerized consulting company. After retiring from PI, he moved to the Cookeville area where he farmed, collected Corvairs, and most of all continued his life-long love of flying, writing and carpentry. He also maintained his interest in music and children's charities. He is survived by his four children: Petya Lee Perkins living in Shelby, NC and Granville, TN; Patrick E. Perkins, of Carmel, CA; Paula Jane Perkins of Mooresville, NC; and Michael F. Perkins of London England; He is also survived by three grandchildren: Jeffrey Perkins of Boston, MA; and Ryan and Sean Perkins of London England. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. Interment will be in the East Tennessee Veteran's Cemetery. Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111 You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com