Thomas S. Perkins, age 83, passed away on Wednesday, January 19th, after a lengthy illness. Tom was born in Lincolnton, NC to the late Jonas and Alene Perkins. He joined the Air Force after graduating from Rock Springs High School and proudly served his country for over 12 years. Tom was a Vietnam Veteran. After his honorable discharge from the service, Tom worked for 38 years for the United States Postal Service. He was well known to greet his customers with a joke and a smile. Throughout his career, he was active in the American Postal Workers Union, often representing his co-workers in disputes surrounding fair treatment and safe working conditions.

Tom lived most of his life in Winston-Salem, NC, where he was an active member of Ardmore United Methodist Church. He loved spending time with his family and had a keen interest in researching and documenting his family's genealogy. Tom was also an avid stamp and coin collector. After his retirement, Tom enjoyed working with young children at his church Thru-the-Week-School.

Tom moved to Richmond Hill 8 years ago and was a resident of Magnolia Manor. Despite his illness, Tom never lost his sense of humor and joking personality. Tom is survived by his wife of 54 years, Martha Perkins, his 3 children, Thomas Perkins, Jr. (Shannon) of Tarboro, NC, Amy Murphy (Tony) of Richmond Hill, and Alice Perkins of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren Courtney Perkins, Ashleigh Perkins, Keegan Murphy and Julia Murphy. Also surviving are Tom's 3 siblings, Martha Sigmon (Don), Judy Perkins, and John Perkins (Trudy), all of Lincolnton, NC and nieces and nephews.

A private Celebration of Life service will be held for family and residents of Magnolia Manor at 2pm on Saturday, January 21st. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Ardmore United Methodist Food Pantry, 630 S. Hawthorne Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27103 or to the Alzheimer's Association.