Obituaries

J. L. Perkinson

DECATUR — J. L. Perkinson, 83, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday morning, October 13, 2019, at his home in Decatur, Tennessee. He was born and raised in Meigs County where he had resided most of his life. He graduated from Meigs County High School in 1954 and attended Tennessee Tech University and Tennessee Wesleyan University before entering the United States Air Force where he served for four years. After returning home from service to his country, he worked for the Norfolk Southern Railroad and then as a construction supervisor for several water treatment plants, as well as other major construction projects. He was a certified electrician and put this to good use to help many people in Meigs County and surrounding counties with their electrical projects. J. L. was a life-long member of Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church where he served as chair of the trustees and also served on many other committees. He was a 50-year member of Meigs Lodge #213 in Decatur, a member of Alhambra Shriners in Chattanooga, and a Life Member of the AMVETS-Post 90 in Decatur. He loved to bird hunt and went on numerous hunting trips to the mid-west. For many years he participated in field trails with his prized bird dogs where he won many ribbons and trophies. He was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching the Meigs County basketball and football games. When he could no longer attend games, he could be found watching many different sports and ballgames or enjoying a good western on television. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend. J. L. is preceded in death by his parents, John D. and Minnie Wilson Perkinson, one sister Florence Perkinson Gordon, sons Mike Gilbert and Robin (Zack) Newman, niece Pam Perkinson McGann, nephew Jimmy Gordon and brother-in-law Roy H. Jones, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Carol Jones Perkinson, daughters Tamara Perkinson Branham, Donna Gilbert Mitchell (Gary), son Danny Gilbert and two sisters Joanne Perkinson Kennedy (Marshall) and Mary Evelyn Perkinson, one brother Wayne Perkinson (Sandra) and sister-in-law Barbara Jones. Grandsons Jason Branham (Misty), Jessie Branham (Emily), Shawn Mitchell and Chris Gilbert, great grandchildren Jordon Branham, Aliyah Branham, Kaiden Houston, Brody Waters, Kynleigh Branham, a very special family friend Barbara Moyer and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. The family will also receive friends at the church on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 from 12:00 to 2:00 PM prior service officiated by the Reverend Rodney Dunn. Interment will follow in the Decatur Cemetery. You are encouraged to share a memory and/or your personal condolences with his family by visiting his memorial webpage and guestbook at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Athens is honored to assist his family with these arrangements.

Published October 15, 2019

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