Raymond Robert

Perkins

Raymond Robert Louis Perkins went home to be with the Lord on November 15, 2025, in Richmond, Virginia at age 93. He was born on January 20, 1932, in Roanoke, Virginia.

Raymond was the oldest son of Louise Perkins Millner, and stepfather, Joseph Lewis Millner. He was also raised surrounded by loved ones including his maternal grandparents, the late John, and Ida Booker Perkins, along with his maternal aunts, Alice, Lillie Mae, and uncles, Saul, Mose, and John.

He attended Roanoke City Public Schools. Raymond was a Korean War veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Raymond's walk with the Lord began in childhood, and a member at Hill Street Baptist Church, Roanoke, Virginia. Raymond's love for Christ, and devotion to his church, remained as a steadfast member of Grayland Baptist Church, Richmond, Virginia for 55 years.

Affectionally known as "Ray," "Perk," and "Mr. P." by relatives and friends, Raymond loved to see family at reunions, eat great food, tell jokes, and have an enjoyable time. He was an avid sports fan, loved watching football, basketball, tennis, golf, and track and field contests. Throughout football season, Raymond followed the Washington Commanders, Baltimore Ravens, and Dallas Cowboys. In addition, he was a UVA sports superfan and did not miss looking at weekly games. Beyond sports, Raymond had a fun time with planting "Big Boy" tomatoes, and green beans in his backyard garden, playing card games, checkers, and dominoes.

During his early adult years, Raymond was previously married and welcomed two sons, Raymond Robert Louis Jr. and Bobby Perkins Sr. In 1952, he received his United States Armed Services Draft order and faithfully reported for active duty. Raymond served honorably in the Korean War, achieving the rank of Corporal. He sustained disabling injuries during his service and retired early from the military in 1953. His valor and dedication were recognized with numerous medals and commendations, including the Purple Heart (Korea), Combat Action Ribbon (Korea), Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal (w/1 bronze star), Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal (Korea), Republic of Korea War Service Medal, and Rifle Marksman Badge.

Following his honorable discharge, Raymond relocated to Richmond, Virginia to pursue a new vocation. He completed the Executive Commercial Course at Smith-Madden School of Business and graduated in 1962. During this period, he married Maria Brown in 1962, and from that union were born, Gwendolyn Denise and Rayotis. Raymond later embraced the role as a full-time caregiver and remained home with their children to support the family while his wife, Maria, entered the workforce.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Maria Brown Perkins, his son, Raymond Perkins Jr.  and siblings, Joe Millner, Mose Millner, Tommy Millner, Nelson Millner, and Virginia Kurtz.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Dr. Gwendolyn Perkins of Glen Allen, Virginia; sons, Bobby Perkins Sr. (Faye) of Chapel Hill, North Carolina and Dr. Rayotis Perkins of Phoenix, Arizona; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Corene Calloway of Roanoke, Virginia and Dorothy Millner of Washington D.C.; brothers-in-law, Moses Brown (Angela) of Dinwiddie, Virginia and Philip Brown (Betty) of Waverly, Virginia; sisters-in law, Marquina Millner of Roanoke, Virginia and Nancy Johnson of Mathews, Virginia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends and neighbors.

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Monday, November 24, 2025. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 25 at St. Paul's Baptist Church, 4247 Creighton Road. Interment Virginia Veterans Cemetery.