Marvin Stanley Perkins of Signal Mountain passed away on Friday, May 18, 2018, at the age of 90. He leaves behind his beloved bride of 68 years, Wanda Marie, and three generations of family to cherish his memory.
He was born in Brooklyn, NY in 1927 to Louis and Bess Perkins. He served in the Merchant Marines in WWII before attending the Poly Tech Institute of Brooklyn. Following his education he joined his father and grandfather in their business, Perko, Inc., a manufacturer of marine lamps and hardware, now located in Miami, Fl, where he was active for over fifty years, retiring in 2000. During his tenure as president, Perko became the market leader for their products, both in the U.S and abroad. He was well respected by his many friends and colleagues in the marine and boating industry, as evidenced by his service as a director of the Miami International Boat Show for several years.
He was an enthusiastic and prolific restorer of old cars. Arriving, often sight unseen, in various degrees of rust and wreckage, he would patiently and skillfully bring them back to showroom condition, over one hundred at last count. His prizes included a 1940 16 cylinder Cadillac convertible, a 1953 Corvette and too many 1955 T-Birds to mention.
A proud, lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge, he will receive a Masonic Service at his final ceremony. A captain of industry, a kind and loving family man, a patriotic American, and a good friend, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Wanda Marie, his children Frederick (Toby) Perkins of Miami, Lynn Perkins (Scott) Short of Signal Mountain, David Perkins of Chattanooga, Sister Lily Abrams of Long Island, NY, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
There will be no visitation at the funeral home.
Funeral service will be Wednesday at 2:00 P.M. at the Chattanooga Memorial Park Cemetery, Pond Pavilion, in Red Bank, TN.
In lieu of flowers, please direct contributions to The Shriners Children’s Hospital, at www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
