William "Bill" Perkins, 106 years of age and lifelong resident of Belmont County, passed away Friday May 31, 2024. He had been a resident of Astoria Place of Barnesville since February, 2015. He was born November 25, 1917 near Centerville, Ohio to the late Walter Perkins and Etta Mae (Groves) Perkins.

Bill was a farmer all of his early life and later worked for the township as a grader operator. After moving from the farm in the 1970's, he continued planting and managing large potato patches, tomatoes, peppers and a beautiful patch of domestic black raspberries until he was 96. He and his sister, Kate picked and sold the raspberries every year. Bill entered his potatoes in the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival for several years, consistently winning ribbons for them. He loved giving less fortunate people and families some of his potatoes and tomatoes every year.

Being feisty and in good health, he cut down trees, splitting firewood by hand until age 93 when he finally decided to buy a wood splitter. Bill could take a chainsaw, split locust logs in half in 8 ft lengths for use as fence posts and all were straight. He enjoyed his daily constitutionals during good weather. Bill loved playing bingo and cards. His cooking specialty was lump free mashed potatoes, which he made at least twice a week. Family and friends alike loved them.

He was proceeded in death by siblings Vernon "Ed" Perkins, Oliver Perkins, Evelyn Perkins Wright, Kathryn Perkins Whiteley, Della Perkins Knecht and his daughter Lee.

He is survived by his youngest sister Barbara Perkins Hopper, several nieces and nephews, five grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Bill was a member of Living Water Fellowship Church located in Quaker City.

At his request there will be no showing. A private graveside service with his nephew, Brent Hopper officiating will be held June 13 at 11 o'clock at Chestnut Level Christian Church, Belmont, Ohio.

Bill asked that in lieu of flowers, his friends and family donate in his name to:

Living Water Fellowship Church P.O. Box 104 Quaker City, Ohio 43773