Marvin Perkins
March 25, 2022
While worship music filled the living room of his home on Friday, March 25, 2022, Dr. Marvin R. Perkins stepped into Heaven. Marvin was born at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana, nine days before his beloved wife, Sharon. Marvin’s parents, G. Glenn and Fern Perkins were pastors in several towns in Indiana, and eventually relocated to Palm Harbor, Florida, where Marvin graduated from Clearwater High School.
With 17 earned college degrees including doctoral degrees in Divinity, Theology, and Biblical Science from International Seminary, it may be evident that Marvin loved science, math, and a good “discussion.” Bisected by a short time serving his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict, Marvin worked at Honeywell Aerospace as a systems engineer from 1967-1971, and as Space Shuttle Electronics Manager from 1971-1974. He worked as a production and development engineer at Abbott Pharmaceutical from 1974-1975 and moved his family to Hilliard when he took a position with the Federal Aviation Administration in 1975.
While working for the FAA, Marvin was an integral part of the Air Traffic Control National Airspace System (NAS) Implementation Team, which developed, planned, and tested the new Advanced Automation computer, radar, and satellite systems created to update and modernize air traffic control and airway facilities services.
He loved to teach: whether at work, by teaching Sunday School and leading an extension college program at Evangel Temple Assembly of God in Jacksonville, or by simply grabbing the closest napkin to illustrate something ˗ particularly while his children were waiting for Sunday dinner.
He is survived by his childhood sweetheart, Sharon Perkins, brothers James Perkins (Bobbie), and Gary Perkins, sister-in-law Karen Perkins, and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his “favorite” daughter, Shanda Perkins and “favorite” son, Brennan Perkins (Amanda), grandsons Kyle and Tristan, and Amanda’s children, Savanna, and Joshua. He will be particularly missed by his niece, April Upchurch, who held a special place in his heart, and his best buddy, his dog Baron.
“Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.” – Psalm 73:24, KJV
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Hilliard First Assembly of God.
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Marvin and I had 7 years of age between us, so growing up as the last child, Marvin and I only had a few years together growing up. Marvin was the “Book-worm” in the family and was very “ Book-Smart”! When Beverly and I were first together, she had a homework assignment for a final grade to create a government. We called Marvin at 1:00am asking for help! For 3 hours he dictated how to set up a Dictatorship style government to run our new “Country”. Beverly got an “A” on her final! Marvin was always willing to take the time to sit and talk or sit and debate almost any topic! Marvin always went above and beyond to make our parents proud of him! He would always strive for excellence just enough to make Daddy proud! Marvin loved his family, especially Sharon, Shanda and Brennan!