Gary Perkins

Funeral services for Sgt. Major Gary O'Brien Perkins, 74, of Kershaw will be at 12:00 noon, Saturday, April 9, 2011, in First United Methodist Church, Kershaw. The Revs. Dr. Anita Bozardt and Don Elliott will officiate. Burial will follow in the Damascus United Methodist Church Cemetery, Westville with full Military Honors.

Sgt. Major Perkins died Tuesday, April 5, in Palmetto Health Richland Hospital, Columbia. Born in Bloomfield, MO, he was the son of the late Earl Loren and Mae Eaton Perkins. Sgt. Major Perkins retired from the United States Army after 26 years of service. He was a active member of First United Methodist Church and a member of the Broad River Masonic Lodge, Columbia.

Sgt. Major Perkins during his military career received the following awards and medals; The Silver Star, 3 Bronze Stars, Purple Heart, The Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, 3 Army Commendation Medals, 7 Good Conduct Medals, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 7 Service Stars, Armed Forces Honor Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Expert Infantryman Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge and was awarded the Saber for being an Honor Graduate from Drill Sergeant School in 1966 at Fort Jackson, SC.

Surviving are his wife; Diane Mahaffey Perkins of the home, a daughter; Sharon Perkins Wilson and her husband Randy of Ridgeway, a son; SMSgt. G. Douglas Perkins (USAF) and his wife Terri of Calverton, NY, a grandson; Garrett O. Perkins of Calverton, NY, 4 step-sons; Gregg Morgan and his wife Jennifer of Charlotte, NC and their children; Thomas and Erin Morgan both of Charlotte, Stuart Morgan and his wife Denise of Lancaster, and their children; Kristen Neal of Fort Mill, Ansley and Corey Morgan both of Lexington, Kerry Morgan and his wife Kim of Camden and their children; Ashley, Will and Carson Morgan all of Camden, Lane Morgan and his wife Angel of Lancaster, 2 great grandchildren, and a brother; Earl T. Perkins and his wife Kathy of Sikeston, MO. He was preceded in death by his first wife; Mary Ruth Perkins and his brother; Frank Perkins.

The family will receive friends, Friday, April 8, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m at Baker Funeral Home and other times at the home, 406 West Church Street, Kershaw.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 305 West Church Street, Kershaw, S.C. 29067.