Cecil Douglas Perkins

Cecil Douglas Perkins passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, at The Christopher House in Austin, Texas. A man of extraordinary character, work ethic, and vision, his life was marked by service, leadership, and devotion to family and community.

Born in Austin on January 5, 1930, Cecil began working at the age of five, shining shoes on Congress Avenue. He delivered papers, worked in his school cafeteria for lunch, and held jobs through his youth—from soda jerk to airport café cook. He played football, baseball, and basketball at Austin and Manor High Schools, where he graduated with honors.

Cecil proudly served in the U.S. Army twice, first stateside (1947–48), then as a Staff Sergeant in Europe (1952–54). He worked long hours driving a wrecker and later served 9½ years with the Austin Fire Department, where he rose to Captain and was beloved as a Master of Ceremonies at retirements and events.

His career in real estate was equally distinguished—earning Salesman of the Year (1961), Realtor of the Year (1970), and President (1973) for the Austin Board of Realtors. He ran for U.S. Senate, reflecting his deep civic convictions.

Cecil was also a gifted writer and lifelong columnist for the Texas Thoroughbred Association Magazine and Gamecock Magazine, among others. He was a published poet, children's author, and songwriter. An amateur boxer, he competed in Golden Gloves and on the Fort Eustis Army Boxing Team.

A lover of animals and agriculture, he held leadership roles in numerous associations, including President of the Lone Star Dairy Goat Association, Austin Pond Society, and Capital City Caged Bird Club (five times). He served multiple terms as Executive Director of the Texas Thoroughbred Breeders Association and the Texas Horse Racing Association and was named TTBA Man of the Year in 1984. In 2014, he was inducted into the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame.

A builder of both community and enterprise, Cecil developed neighborhoods, churches, and commercial buildings, including the Ben White Shopping Center and Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Recreation Center, where he was a longtime member. His businesses included Perkins Realtors, Mexican Louie’s Restaurant, and several development and plumbing companies. He was also the first Municipal Judge for the Village of Bee Cave, which honored him with "Cecil Perkins Day" on February 23, 2022, proclaimed by Mayor Kara King.

He is survived by his daughter, Karen Ann Sherrod and husband Stephen; grandchildren Crystal Sherrod Conner and husband Caleb, Cody Ryan Sherrod; and great-grandchildren Christian and Catherine Conner, Gavin David and Eleanor Ryan Sherrod. He is also survived by his brother, Dr. Edgar Perkins of McKenzie, Tennessee, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Mozelle Wallace Perkins; parents Orba Hubert and Rose Ella Heffington Perkins; sisters Ida Pauline Perkins and Catherine Perkins Albert; brothers James E. Perkins and Charles B. Perkins, and their spouses.

The family would like to give special thanks to Wanda O’Banan, Cecil and Mozelle’s beloved caretaker and friend of more than twelve years, whose loyal companionship and compassion enriched the final chapter of his life. They also wish to express their sincere gratitude to Dr. Shobha Reddy, whose exceptional care, kindness, and dedication brought comfort and dignity to Cecil in his final days.

Pallbearers include Wayne Ahart, Louis Alvarez, Vincent Arriaga, Larry DuPuy, Philip Hamilton, Dr. Richard Rafferty, Mauricio Villazon, and Glenn “Peanut” Wallace.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Weed-Corley-Fish, 411 RR 620 S, Lakeway, Texas. Private interment will follow at the Heffington-Perkins Family Cemetery on Hamilton Pool Road, Austin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Cecil’s memory to the Bee Cave Police Benevolent Foundation.