George E. Perkins, Sr.

Augusta, GA – Entered into rest on Saturday, June 15, 2024, Mr. George Edward Perkins, Sr., 95, loving and devoted husband of 75 years to the late Joyce Banks Perkins. 

 A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. in Storey Chapel at First Baptist Church with Dr. Will Dyer officiating. Interment will follow in First Baptist Church Cremation Garden. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 A.M., in the Storey Chapel.

 George Edward Perkins came into this world as the son of O. W. Perkins and B. W. (Pat) Perkins on Oct. 21, 1928, at old University Hospital and entered into rest on June 15, 2024 as the amazing Patriarch of an extensive family. 

 The members include his daughter: Lee Perkins Christian; 7 grandchildren: Gena Taylor (Wesley), Tara Christian, Jennifer Perkins (Roff), Janet Bruyninckx (Joey), Ashlee Randall (Mark), Matt Perkins (Christina) and Jon Hair (Whitney); 14 delightful great-grandchildren: Hannah Sourdiff (Trevor), Hunter Taylor, Jarrett Thompson, Logan Perkins, Tanner Bruyninckx (Carly), Trent Bruyninckx, Tucker Bruyninckx, Collin Williams, Cooper Williams, Mason Perkins, Aubrey Grace Perkins, Anslee Hair, Ayden Hair and Owen Hair; 1 great-great-grandson: Wyatt Sourdiff; adopted daughter-in-law: Kathy Keip and younger sister, Claire Aldridge. In addition to his beloved wife, he is preceded in death by his son: George Perkins, Jr.; daughter: Linda Perkins Hair (Gene); son-in-law: Bennie Christian; brother-in-law: Allan Aldridge and parents: Othello and Buhla Perkins.

 George attended Joseph Lamar Elem. School, Richmond Academy and Junior College of Augusta. Graduated Ga. Tech. School of Architecture, Dec. 1949. Also, he and Joyce were married early in that year. Other education; After retirement in the early 1990’s returned to Augusta State for courses in History and the Humanities. Worked in the offices of Eve and Stulb, Architects from Jan. 1950 until mid1955, during which time he became registered to practice Architecture in the state of Ga. Instead of continuing in the professional practice, he accepted a junior partnership with Paul Bailey, in The Bailey Co., which was engaged in homebuilding and land development. The Co. had just begun the development of Westwick. In 1957, building and land development were separated and Perkins Construction Co. was created.

 After Westwick, the two companies designed and built Greenbrier and Sheffield Place, and partnered with Southern Finance in developing Brynwood and Waverly. Bailey and Perkins Companies then created Montclair. It was an eleven-year, 500 home single family residential community, the first in the Augusta area to build sidewalks. The community has two playgrounds, a swimming pool and a homeowners association. A few lots were sold to other builders, but Mr. Perkins designed and built most of the homes, as well as other custom homes throughout the metropolitan area. Crofton was next. In 1973

Mr. Perkins began the George Perkins Co. and developed Sugar Mill Woods, again building most homes but selling some lots to other builders. During this time he was building the Professional Village office complex for himself and family, with an eye toward retirement, and continuing some custom homes and offices for others. By retirement he had built close to 800 homes and offices and participated in eight residential communities.

Family and Church came first, but closely behind was a continuing participation in civic and community affairs. These included the Ga. Tech Club, where he served on the board, other offices, and as President. He was active in the Homebuilders Association of The CSRA and served as its President. Also, and very important to him, was a 67 year (beginning 1957) membership in the Augusta Exchange Club, where also he chaired and served on committees, and was President in 1980. He served on the boards of the YMCA, the Augusta Rescue Mission, and as chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Energy Committee. He was a member of the Augusta Country Club for 67 years (since 1957).

Always interested in helping and in the happiness and well-being of others, he was one of the founders of the Augusta chapter of Habitat for Humanity, served on the board for several years, designed and oversaw the building of it’s first home and helped substantially with a number of it’s first homes. 

Three times during his homebuilding career he won “Best Home For The Money,” awards from the American Home Magazine, with attendant pictures and stories in the magazine, and local recognition. He was selected “Boss Of The Year,” by the local chapter of Women in Construction. He cared very much for the people who worked for him, and helped a few of them get new, quality homes. Most employees were very long term, and benefited appreciably from a well-managed profit sharing investment retirement plan. He cared that his customers got a quality product, and so did his employees. One of the high honors of his life was to be asked by the family of one of his foremen to offer the final graveside prayer for him.

 George always loved his Lord and his Church. At Warren Baptist where he and Joyce were members for 29 years, they taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and served on committees. George served as chairman of building committees, as Chairman of Deacons, and Trustee. He taught 16-year-old boys and led them on backpacking trips to the mountains in the fall. One year one of the boys had bad knees and couldn’t do the hikes, so began also canoe camping trips on low country rivers in early spring. The invitation was open, and some came back for many years, one brought his wife along.

 Jack Bartles was his constant adult companion on these trips, and sometimes family. At First Baptist of Augusta, from 1983, George continued very active, including Choir and teaching a men’s Bible class. He served as Chairman of Deacons and Church Moderator. George’s activity in Church, and in life for that matter, was motivated by a desire to reach out to all others with the message of love that Christ brought to this earth.

 He Served a rewarding three-year term on the Board of Trustees of the Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, Richmond Virginia. Growing up on Jenkins St. here in Augusta, he enjoyed, with his close family friend Wheldon Hair and other neighborhood friends, sports, building things, hunting & fishing etc. 

 After marriage and coming home from school, his good friend Sidney Foster got him started on Golf. So, with the limited time off after work, family, church and other obligations, it was conflict between hunting and golf until about age 38 when there was no time left for hunting. The natural world and the universe always fascinated him, “God’s Art” he called it. He also enjoyed the things of beauty created by man.

 He had inherited a love for creating an attractive back yard garden from his Mother, so that after retirement he did that. Also he enjoyed golf, travel with Joyce and friends, books, writing, teaching and interacting with his Sunday School class. He especially loved and enjoyed all the time with Joyce, his beloved wife of 75 years, and their children, Grandchildren, great grandchildren and newest great GREAT grandson! These things have kept him busy with healthy, happy things to do. He has said that God has blessed him greatly on this earth.

He looked forward to seeing Heaven, Jesus, God, his loved ones that have preceded him and awaiting those to come. Also to ask God or Jesus a lot of questions.

 Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Augusta, 3500 Walton Way Ext, Augusta, GA 30909 or to The Exchange Club of Augusta Charity Fund, P.O. Box 3884, Augusta, GA 30914-3884. 

 Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com