Tilllman Porcher Perkins, Jr.'s Obituary
Tillman Porcher Perkins, Jr.
Services for Tillman Porcher Perkins, 84, will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, February 27, 2006, at Rader Funeral Home with Reverend Jerry Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Rosewood Park. Mr. Perkins passed away on February 24, 2006, after an extended illness. Tillman Perkins was born July 20, 1921, in Longview, to Bessie Barnhill Perkins and Tillman Porcher Perkins, Sr. After losing his wife in childbirth, Mr. Perkins, Sr. felt he was unable to care for his premature infant son. He unselfishly gave his baby boy to his sister and her husband, Beulah Blanche Shivers and Melvin Shivers. The Shivers lovingly reared Tillman as their own son from that day on. Mr. Perkins was proud of his family heritage and developed a deep love for the old Longview Junction and the stories it provided. His parents, the Shivers, owned and operated Junction Drug located near the T&P train depot. Having grown up in the old Junction area of Longview, Tillman often entertained family and friends with his fond memories of the exciting oil boom days, including the adventures of Texas Ranger Lone Wolf Gonzales and railroad detective Texas Slim. A 1939 graduate of Longview High School, Mr. Perkins first attended Schreiner Institute and then completed his education at the University of Texas, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy. Following graduation, he returned to Longview and joined his family?s business, Junction Drug Store, later known as Perkins Junction Pharmacy. Tillman helped organize the East Texas Pharmaceutical Association and served as its first president. He also served as a director for the Texas Pharmaceutical Association. The Southern Pharmaceutical Journal named him Man of the Month for his efforts in creating the East Texas Association. Mr. Perkins retired from pharmacy in 1975. Tillman maintained an active life after his retirement. He taught math to senior citizens through the Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Longview. He and his wife of 61 years, Jean Perkins, traveled extensively and became avid antique collectors. An enthusiastic football fan, Tillman attended Lobo football games for over 50 years. When his health declined, he continued to follow the Lobos by listening to the radio broadcasts. Always an active member of First United Methodist Church, Mr. Perkins served on the administrative board and also served as a teacher for the Clyde Hall Class for 30 years. Until illness curtailed his activities, church was the most important facet of his life. Mr. Perkins is survived by his wife, Jean; two children, Pamela Perkins Taylor and husband, Brent, of Longview; Tillman Marc Perkins and his wife, Laura, of San Antonio; his grandchildren, Kiley Taylor, Jamie, Kevin, and Kenzie Perkins; a great-grandson, Harrison Taylor; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Dennis Bowles, Johnny Collier, George Dragisic, Ralph Duke, Jack Gregory, Mike Holbert, Larry Martin, Eddie Modisett, Robert Reed, and Gene Walker. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Clyde Hall Class. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 26, 2006.
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