Obituary of Samuel R. Perkins

Samuel Robert Perkins, (born James Howard Aldridge) was born in East St. Louis, Illinois on June 12, 1940 and died March 17, 2018 in Horseheads, NY. Sam was the eldest son of Dorothy Mae (née Hinkle) and his adoptive father, George Perkins. His siblings include his brother George W. Perkins (1941-2006), Sandra Fay (1942- ), Shirley Ann (1943-2010), Wilhemenia Augusta (1954 - ), and Denise Louise (1955- ). Sam was married three times, to Marva Faye Smith, fathering Dag Edward in 1962; to Michal Prichard, fathering Gina Rochelle in 1965 and Temur Lane in 1966; and to Doreen Joan Kogon, fathering and raising David Jacob in 1969, Robert Asare in 1975, and Ethan Lowe in 1978. As the eldest son, everyone knew and loved Uncle Sam. He played an integral role in the lives of so many nieces and nephews spreading from Arkansas, to Michigan to across the globe. Sam enlisted in the Marines in 1958 at the age of 18 and served 10 years total between the Marines and Air Force, obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Sam was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1968 and attended Syracuse University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and his JD from the college of law. He went on to practice law in Ohio and New York working for the Mead Corporation and the US Air Force Institute of Technology, among other places. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Doreen, his 6 children, 19 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. He was a man with a big heart, high intelligence, a creative mind, a strong sense of humor, and big dreams for himself and family. He was ever thinking of new ways to do things, from inventing new pancakes to coming up with the airport hub solution for airlines. Sam strongly believed in the power of education, which he passed on to his children, his nieces and nephews who continue on in his living legacy. A memorial service will be held both in Kingston, NY and Little Rock, AR with details communicated at a later date. Handwritten letters to Doreen would be greatly appreciated. 399 E 14th #507-Elmira, NY 14903. Arrangements are entrusted to the LYNCH FUNERAL HOME 318 WEST BROAD STREET HORSEHEADS, NY 14845.