Ivan Wesley Perkinson

Rev. Dr. Ivan Wesley Perkinson (77), passed peacefully on Monday, January 23, 2023, at his home in Conway, South Carolina. His loving wife and daughter were by his side. He was a longtime resident of Matoaca, Virginia and recently retired to South Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Stella and W. Baxter Perkinson, Sr.; and his sons, Ivan Baxter and Sean Alan Perkinson. Ivan is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Peggy Murray Perkinson; his daughter, Tonya Perkinson Watkins; his twin brother, Dr. W. Baxter Perkinson, Jr. (Elaine); his younger brothers, Dr. J. David Perkinson and Mark T. Perkinson (Brenda). He is also survived by his 9 grandchildren; Drew (Shannon) Perkinson, Ryan (Michelle) Perkinson, Alayna (Brent) Ferguson, Jacob (Arielle) Perkinson, Alex (Alyx) Perkinson, Sydney Hardee, Benjamin Perkinson, Kourtney (Ronnie) Bullett, and Taylor Perkinson; and 17 great-grandchildren: Kadence, Kylee, Drew, Lexy, Khloe, Emaleigh, Ally, Lily, Kara, Liam, Xander, Rivers, Adam, Samuel, Katie, Lucas, and Eleanor.

Ivan earned two marketing degrees from VCU. In 1995, he earned his Master's Degree and became an ordained minister working full time, starting a new non-denominational church. He continued his studies and earned his Doctorate in Bible in 1997. He began a non-profit radio ministry, which ran for almost three years producing over 600 daily broadcasts. As a professional speaker, marketing consultant, and strategic planner for 25 years, Ivan logged over 3 million miles of air travel giving presentations in 49 of 50 states.

He was a Retired Pastor who officiated at 360 weddings, 895 funerals, and over 400 baptisms. Prior to being a Pastor, Ivan was a music minister and worship leader for many years, and he passed that talent down to his sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Ivan was a professional artist for 30 years. He painted hundreds of original watercolor paintings. 170 of his paintings have been made into signed and numbered lithographs or greeting cards. Ivan was also a published author, having written and published four books, each of which he narrated himself and released as audiobooks.

Ivan's passion and joy was working with J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home as the Aftercare Director for 18 years. He often spoke about how much he loved helping people during their time of grief. He felt it was his calling.

Ivan was a 3-time fantasy football champion in a league with his grandchildren, an achievement he was very proud of.

As his grandson Alex said, "We have lost a giant, a pillar of the community, a loving, strong man, a storyteller. Your legacy will live on."

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Western Heights Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church prior to the service. Interment will be private. The family is being served by the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .