I did not know mr Perkins however I want to send my sincerest condolences to the family and friends.  I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one.  Your family will be in my prayers.   (John 11:1-44)

I met Richard Perkins in 2005 when he came to my home to reconnect the plumbing, after a remodel.  Following this initial meeting, there came a decade of countless Richard repairs both in my home and office, including sheetrock, electrical, electric converted to gas, door locks, fans, lighting, new sinks and toilets, installation of flat screen televisions, constructing and installing banisters, flooring, etc. Richard had the talent to build a home from the ground up as there was not an area in home building he could not do. He was a bright and gifted craftsman, sadly the last of a dying breed. Richard's work was as precise as was the detailed meticulously handwritten invoice he would present at the conclusion of his jobs. The invoice would always reflect numbers far below industry standards which he refused to deviate from no matter how often asked to do so. The most Richard would accept above his invoice was a cool one at the completion of a hard day's work. 
Over the ten year period when Richard did work on my behalf, I cannot recall one job that did not require at least one, most likely three, trips to "Depot" to pick up a few additional supplies. I suspected these trips to Home Depot were as important to Richard as was the work he was performing for it was there he would have the opportunity to do what he enjoyed most, talk with people. One day I had the pleasure of joining Richard on a proposed short trip to Home Depot to pick up supplies. Two hours and at least five conversations later, we left, supplies in hand. It was on this visit when I, for sure, came to understand  the importance to Richard of these visits to Home Depot. Richard was a man who knew no stranger and had countless friends at Depot and elsewhere who looked forward to visits from this man who had the precious gift of gab. Although Richard had the intelligence necessary to be successful at any occupation, he chose a profession he enjoyed, a profession that allowed him to give of himself to family and friends. Richard was paying it forward long before it became fashionable to do so.
I made a call of desperation to Richard one day as both my wife and I were locked out of our home. Dropping whatever he was doing at that moment, as he must have taken note of the desperation in my voice, Richard arrived in short time somehow scaling the walls and entering the house through the locked sliding glass doors on the second level. I was amazed by the strength and agility of this man of slight stature and even more impressed by his ability to gain access into my house in such a short period of time. I mused he would have made a very formidable second story man had he chosen to pursue this line of work. 
Another notable memory of Richard was the day I was sitting near the back row of the large downtown jury room, waiting to see if I would be chosen. Across the aisle and far in the front of this same room, I could see a man intently working on what appeared to be a crossword puzzle. The back of this man's head seemed very familiar as well as his mannerisms. A walk to the front of the jury room proved me correct, giving Richard and I a brief moment to discuss and enjoy the odds that both of us would be called to the same jury room on the same day. Early on in our friendship, I came to understand there were two very important morning rituals for Richard; speak to his daughters, Ashley and Lindsay, and complete the two daily crossword puzzles in the Dallas Morning News. He would not only complete the Dallas Morning News puzzle in a blink but would have the much more difficult New York Times puzzle completed before his second cup of coffee. 
Richard was a man well versed on so many topics, including politics, sports, history, the military, hunting, fishing, camping, marksmanship, etc. Upon finding out I was interested in guns, Richard taught me how to correctly as well as safely shoot and care for one. Although Richard had a myriad of interests, his passion was his family and friends.
This past September my wife called to tell me Richard had called telling her he wanted to come to our home that evening. His purpose for coming was to share with us the diagnosis his doctor had given him of incurable asbestos related lung cancer. His trip to my home was made out of respect for our friendship as he knew there were no words powerful enough from me to console him nor did he want or expect any. We talked a bit that night with Richard concluding that he had opted to undergo various treatments with the hope of prolonging his life. There were no tears in Richard's eyes that night but there were in mine. As I walked him to his truck, I spontaneously hugged this tough ex Marine and told him I loved him. For the only time in the many years I had known him, Richard did not speak, simply shaking my hand before getting into his truck to leave.
Over the next few weeks, we agreed that I would drive him to come of his radiation treatments. In retrospect, I think Richard allowed me do this more for my benefit than for his. He was always upbeat during these hospital visits, never complaining, still trying to make others happy with his quick wit and twinkle in his eyes. Although he experienced the predictable awful side effects of chemotherapy, he did not complain but instead tried to continue carrying on his life to the fullest as he had always done. He attended hockey and basketball games and spent time out of town with his closest friends, spent more time with his family and went on two hunting trips, despite the cold weather.
Richard Perkins was a humble man of extreme integrity and kindness who lived his life to the fullest, laughed a lot and made others laugh along with him. He was happiest when he could unconditionally give rather than receive, always taking the high road. He chose to live modestly, well below his means, in order that he could give to others, truly one of the most selfless people I have known. A year or so ago, Richard faced a horrific battle with skin cancer, yet refused to share this information with his family as one of his daughters was far along in a pregnancy and he did not want to worry her. He demonstrated every day how best to live one's life and when the time came, he showed us how to face death. He was never afraid to live life to the fullest, never taking himself too seriously and was not afraid to face death neither in defense of his country nor when he was given the reality of this fate by his doctor.
Richard's funeral and viewing were attended by people from all walks of life, including a respected Dallas judge as well as a Dallas mayor. All those who knew Richard will agree those who met him were impacted positively. The eulogy presented by Richard's nephew, Dustin, was both eloquent and beautiful and a very spot on tribute to this amazing man. Over the ten years I knew him, there never was an unkind word spoken by Richard about anyone, a testament to the character of this man.
As perfect as is the place Richard in heading to, I am certain St. Peter will take note of who is standing before him and ask Richard to repair the squeak in those pearly gates as he is ushered in. Never one to refuse to help, Richard will expertly do this job, presenting a well below industry standard invoice, meticulously written in his own handwriting.
Farewell and G-d's speed dear "Perk". Your job here was well done and you will be missed by so many. I will miss you but will always remember you warmly with a smile when I walk into my home and see your handiwork as well as when I pass by or walk into any Home Depot. I would like to believe you made one last stop to your favorite "Depot" on your heavenly assent.


I worked with you in Temple Texas for Western Electric, also worked in Austin together, always remember how studious you were, always positive always willing to help.
We met up again at Holbrooks funeral not too long ago, was glad to  see you,RIPmy friend you will be missed.

Richard you will be missed.I always looked forward to our little family gatherings. R.I.P.








 K

Many of us will remember Richard's quick wit, humor and pranks. He was also a man of character, always upbeat, positive and willing to lend a helping hand at a moment's notice. We were lucky to have known him. Richard was a great friend and devoted to his family. He will be missed, Blake and Beverly Hall.

We will always remember your great humor and theatrics!!! Brought so much laughter to our group!!! Rest peacefully my friend. Love Susan and Marvin

OBITUARY

Richard Alan Perkins

July 4, 1948 – February 26, 2015

Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home & Hillcrest Mausoleum & Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services