Clyde Perkins, Jr.

Funeral services for Clyde Perkins, Jr., 87, of Mesquite, TX, are scheduled for 10:00 AM, Tuesday, August 4, 2020, at Sunnyvale Baptist Church with a visitation starting at 9:00 AM. Burial will be held at DFW National Cemetery in Dallas at 2:30 PM. Services are under the direction of Hiett’s LyBrand Funeral Home in Wills Point.

Clyde Perkins, Jr. passed away at his home in Mesquite, Texas on Thursday, July 30, 2020. Clyde was born on January 12, 1933 in Rush Springs, Oklahoma, to parents Clyde Perkins, Sr. and Gladys Perkins.

Clyde grew up in Dallas where he attended Crozier Tech High School. Following high school he served in the United States Army in the Korean War. In his early years Clyde enjoyed playing baseball, playing music, and doing woodwork. He enjoyed listening to country, southern gospel, and bluegrass music. Clyde always had a song to sing and a hand waving at his side to the rhythm of the song.

On July 20, 1954 he married Bonnie Sue Perkins after eloping in Mississippi. Clyde and Bonnie welcomed their first child, a son, in the fall of 1955 and two daughters followed over the course of the next several years. Clyde was a loving and faithful husband to Bonnie for sixty-six years. Together they raised their family in Mesquite and Heath, Texas. He loved his children and enjoyed spending time with them. When reflecting on their Dad, his kids had to say, “Daddy was strong, loving, caring, funny, had a servant's heart, and always pointed others to Jesus. He was the best Dad anyone could have asked for. He always looked after us and made sure we were taken care of, and always made sure we knew he loved us. He truly was a great example of how to be a great father and husband. With Daddy, we always knew we were loved. Our hearts will miss you, Daddy.” Clyde also loved his grandchildren, and was always excited to spend time with them, even if it meant teaming up with them to play a trick on Bonnie. For over 30 years he dressed up as Santa Claus to deliver gifts to his grandchildren, much to their (and his) delight.

Clyde spent his working career driving for the Dallas Transit Bus system and Red Ball Motor Freight. He also served with the Dallas Police Reserve and as a security officer for several companies. Clyde retired from EDS and Red Ball where he earned a position in the million mile club for his excellence in driving.

Soon after coming to know the Lord he became active in serving in his church community. For over 50 years he was an active member at Gross Road Baptist Church and at Sunnyvale First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, a leader in senior adult ministry, and served Wednesday night meals. Clyde loved the Lord and served faithfully so that others would know, love and follow Him.

Clyde is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and three sisters. Clyde is survived by his wife, Bonnie Perkins; son, Rick Perkins and wife Betty; daughter, Terri Brown and husband Scott; daughter, Sheryl Perkins and partner Debbie Taranto; grandchildren, Dena Perkins, Lindsey Brown, Bonnie Pickett, Meagan Brown, Alyssa Zapata, Brandon Perkins and wife Sarah; Ashley Charles, Taylor Perkins and wife Stefani; McKenzie Robertson and husband Wesley; Collin Pickett; three great-grandchildren; sister, Rose Howard; many nieces and nephews.

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