Charley Lee Perkins, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away November 5, 2025 at the age of 91.

Born on May 12, 1934, in Grady, Arkansas, to Charley Perkins and Bertha Johnson (Richardson), Charley grew up in Pine Bluff as the youngest of nine siblings. All five brothers and four sisters preceded him in death, leaving him with cherished memories of a large and loving family.

On January 21, 1956, Charley was united in marriage to Gloria Jean Henderson (Morton). Together they built a home in Inkster, Michigan, in 1961, where they raised their two children, Pamela and Charley Jr. They remained in that home for more than six decades, until 2023.

Charley worked for General Motors at the Fisher Body Plant in Ypsilanti, Michigan, retiring after 30 years of dedicated service. Before his career in Michigan, he spent his youth in Arkansas working as a cowboy on a ranch—where he loved riding horseback, as a caddy on a golf course he learned to play and enjoyed a good game of golf, back in the day.

Family and friends will remember Charley best for his legendary barbecue ribs. Preparing them was an all-day labor of love, and gatherings around his grill became treasured traditions. He also had a passion for cars, especially his prized 1962 Chevy, and he enjoyed countless hours watching classic Western films from the comfort of his recliner.

Charley was a man of faith who supported his wife's worship and her service to God. Charley often attended meetings, assemblies and conventions with his wife over the years. Later, he began to seriously study the Bible, growing in love for Jehovah and his principles. In February 1996, he dedicated his life and was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. He faithfully served his congregation as a Ministerial Servant until his passing.

Charley is survived by his devoted wife Gloria; his children Pamela Henderson-Allen (James) and Charley Perkins Jr. (Jeremetra); seven grandchildren, Alesha Allen-Hoppin, Philip Allen, Brian Allen (Vanessa), Stephanie D'Andrea (Robert), Ashley Perkins, Marquis Elliott, and Charles Perkins III; six great-grandchildren, Kelsey, Matteo, Travon, Diontay, Jianni, and Miles; his favorite niece Gloria Wilson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, spiritual children and grandchildren, along with a host of family and dear friends.

Charley's life was marked by hard work, love of family, and steadfast faith in Jehovah's promises. His warmth, humor, and generosity will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Memorial Service for CHARLEY LEE PERKINS:

Saturday
November 15, 2025
1:00 pm

ZOOM
Meeting ID:
840 6006 9799

Passcode:
629787

CHAIRMAN
Opening Prayer, Obituary

OFFICIATING SPEAKER
Discourse, Closing Prayer