Neal Perkins Sr.

Neal Perkins, Sr. was born January 6, 1935, in Youngstown, Ohio, was the fourth son of the late Thomas Edward and Hannah Perkins. Neal was brother to the late John E. Cager, Nathaniel Perkins, and Thomas Clayton Perkins.

Graduating from Youngstown High School and then attending Youngstown University in Ohio Neal focused on the studies of Accounting and Business Administration. It is at Youngstown University that Neal became a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Neal completed his education at Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Administration degree in Business Management.

Neal began his career in 1955 with the United States Postal Service as a clerk. Over the years, Neal rose to the position of Postmaster and retired after 37 years as the Eastern Region Planning Director. Neal was also a member of the Black Postmasters Alliance. After retirement, Neal became involved in the Henrico County Public Schools first as a volunteer, then he became a para-educator and retired after ten years of service. Neal also served as a volunteer in the Motorist Assistance for Henrico County, Virginia. Neal loved to watch sports and his favorite hobby was fishing.

Neal was married to his late wife, Sylvia Perkins on May 6th, 1955. They were married for 62 years. From this union are six children. Neal Perkins, Jr., the late Edward Perkins, Kimberly Perkins, David Perkins (Angela), Tameka Perkins and Sean Perkins. Neal and his wife Sylvia also served as foster parents for the City of Richmond.

Neal dedicated himself to Christ early in life. In Cleveland, Neal was a member of Morning Star Baptist Church where he was ordained as a deacon. He faithfully served as chairman of the Deacon Board, Sunday School Superintendent, and various other ministries of the church. Neal was also a member of the Cold Harbor Church of Christ and served on various ministries as well.

On the morning of October 4th, 2023, Neal obediently answered God’s call and went to his heavenly home. Precious memories will be cherished by Neal, Jr.-MI, Kimberly- MI, David (Angela), Tameka, Sean, eleven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A wake for Neal will be held Sunday, October 15, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Woody Funeral Home-Parham, 1771 North Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229. A funeral service will occur Monday, October 16, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Cold Harbor Church of Christ, 6856 Cold Harbor Rd, Mechanicsville, VA 23111. A committal service will occur Monday, October 16, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Greenwood Memorial Gardens, 12609 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, VA 23238.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodyfuneralhomeparham.com for the Perkins family.