Mr. Robert “Bob” Eugene Perkins, 85, of Rockingham, passed away Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 at Richmond County Hospice Haven, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Aug. 15, 1938, in Richmond County, son of the late Claude and Ruth Simmons Perkins.
Bob embarked on his career as a radio announcer for WAYN in the early ’50s after winning a speech contest. He was also proud of his accomplishment of aiding in a Volkswagen commercial in the ’50s that was recognized nationally. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Georgia Southern College in 1963. His journey in radio spanned across stations in Cherryville, Summerville, Hartsville and his hometown of Rockingham. In 1966, alongside his father, Claude, he built radio equipment under their carport, laying the foundation for what would soon become WLWL. At WLWL he hired local talent that went on to larger stations. Bob also was the first announcer to record Nantucket, “Heartbreaker,” in a radio station.
In addition to radio, Bob had a passion for aviation which led him to become a member of the Civil Air Patrol and then later earned his Instrument Rated pilot’s license. In his spare time, Bob enjoyed reading and engaging in world history, particularly U.S. history.
For 24 years, Bob managed Radio Shack until its closure in 2015. During his tenure, he became a cornerstone of the community, extending care and support to many. Revered by his employees as the “Dad of RadioShack,” he nurtured and mentored them as his own. Following RadioShack’s closure, Bob served as a radio announcer at G104 until his health no longer permitted.
In the evenings, he and his wife frequented Mi Casita’s with their lifelong friends, Paul Kuebler and Oneil Ginn. Susan fondly referred to them as her “Three Amigos.”
Bob is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, James Albert Perkins; and a sister, Betty Perkins.
Surviving Bob is his devoted wife of nearly 44 years, Susan Lammonds Perkins; son, Patrick Eugene Perkins (Sam) of Summerville; daughter, Terrie Perkins Holden (Wayne) of Leland; a special daughter of his own, Loni Wilkerson (T.J.) of Hamlet; and a special son of his own, Bruce Covington of Rockingham; sisters-in-law, Pam Bedwell, Kelly Parks and Ann Deprizio; niece and nephew, Jay Perkins and Jamie Perkins; one dear, lifelong friend, Oneil Ginn. He was also lovingly cared for by Kimberly Troublefield.
He leaves behind grandchildren, Christy Wilkins (JR), Michelle Johnston (Jeff), Jesse Perkins, James Perkins, Wyatt Wilkerson, Tanner Wilkerson and Reed Wilkerson; great-grandchildren, Cheyenne Wilkins, Layla Wilkins, Grant Wilkins and Jarrett Johnston.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023 in the mausoleum of Richmond County Memorial Park at 2 p.m. with the Rev. C.F. McDowell III and the Rev. Jack Lee officiating. A time of visitation will follow the service.
Entombment will be in the mausoleum of Richmond County Memorial Park.
At other times, the family will receive friends at the family home.
Memorials may be made to Richmond County Hospice, 1119 N. U.S. Hwy 1, Rockingham, NC 28379.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Perkins family.
Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
