Ray Clarence Perkins

Ray Clarence Perkins, 87, passed away quietly on Wednesday, October 6, 2021, joining his wife, Lesalea in heaven. Ray, rich with family and friends, is survived by his son, Lonnie Perkins, and his wife Joni; his daughter, Shannon and her husband Wes Feudner, his grandson, Tyler Feudner and his great grandson Weston, His sister-in-law, Nicki and her husband Tim and many nephews, great nephews, and cousins, along with beloved friends, and church family.

Born in Watertown, New York, Ray was the youngest of his siblings. He worked at the Black River Company until he joined the United States Air Force, where he served for 4 years. Meeting his bride in Wichita Falls, Texas, Ray and Lesalea were married in 1958, and they settled in San Angelo, Texas soon thereafter.

Ray was active in his church, becoming a member of First Baptist Church in 1976 where he served as Deacon and was granted Deacon Emeritus. Having the heart of a servant, he volunteered with packing for Peru, proof-reading the church bulletin and labeling them, and everything in between.

Ray had a ministry of his own, card writing and mailing hundreds of cards a year to encourage those that were sick, in the hospital, having a birthday, anniversary, or just sharing a joke. Many have been blessed by him and this simple act of love and caring.

Ray served his community as the President of three different Lions Clubs, worked with the local Crippled Children’s Camp, and donated to the Texas Boys Ranch. Ray started donating blood at age 18 and continued to donate wherever he lived. To date, Ray donated over 22 gallons of blood to help save lives.

Family was everything to Ray. He loved his wife, Lesalea till her passing in Feb 2019 and honored her with a red rose every month of their dating and marriage, over 60 years. (720 months)

Ray, “Big Ray” as he was known by his son and all the college frat guys, enjoyed their fellowship and them at many events and sports venues. One-year Big Ray registered Lonnie for college because Lonnie was at home with a full leg cast. Always trying to stay connected with his children he often participated in anything that we did. Ray attended and survived 2 Texxas Jams, the KZEW beach party, Eeyore’s birthday party, and a few Rock concerts.

Ray, ‘Daddy’ to his daughter, took her to gymnastic meets, and swimming lessons, and didn’t even flinch when she ran up to him dripping wet. He attended the Alaska Iditarod and was a friend to the mushers. He taught her how to love everyone, have compassion for children, and shared special moments between hearts, the moon, and ducks. He was the light of her world and now he is a light for the world. “Love-Love,” was how he ended his calls every night. He will be deeply missed by those who loved him.

On Friday, October 15, 2021at 10:00 a.m. a memorial service will be held to honor Ray at the First Baptist Church Chapel, at 37 Harris Ave, San Angelo, Texas 76903

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making donations to the ministries of First Baptist Church, the Texas Boy’s Ranch, the Wounded Warrior Project, or a charity of your choice in memory of Ray.

Johnsons Funeral Home in San Angelo is overseeing the arrangements.