Sr. Baxter Perkinson

William Baxter Perkinson, Sr. (89) died peacefully on Monday, January 17, 2011 at the MCV Hospital. He was a long time resident of "Ivanwood", his home he built on River Road in Matoaca. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Ivan E and Evelyn Pucket Perkinson of Matoaca and his loving wife of 61 years, Stella Dent Edwards.

Mr. Perkinson is survived by his sons Dr. Ivan W. Perkinson (and wife Peggy) of Matoaca, Dr. W. Baxter Perkinson, Jr. (and wife Elaine) of Richmond, Dr. J. David Perkinson (and wife Ella, Deceased) of West Palm Beach, Florida, Mark T. Perkinson (and wife Julia, Deceased) of Midlothian and his nephew Jimmy Thacker (and wife Linda) of Matoaca, who was like a son. He is also survived by ten grandchildren, seventeen great -grand children and seven great-great grandchildren; his sisters Alease Maitland of Matoaca and Sadie Wright of Colonial Heights; brother, Charles Ivan Perkinson (and wife Esther) of Colonial Heights.

Referred to lovingly as Baxter by his friends and neighbors, Mr. Perkinson had an active and distinguished life of service to his country, state and county. He served in Patton's third army in WWII including the Battle of the Bulge. He served on the Chesterfield County Board of Zoning Appeals for 27 years. He was active in the Sons of Confederate Veterans for more than 40 years having held many positions including National SCV Deputy Commander, Commander of the Virginia Division SCV and Commander of many local SCV camps which he started throughout the country. His home camp was A.P. Hill SCV Camp of Petersburg. He was an active 32nd degree Mason for over 50 years. He also served as past president of: Sons of the American Revolution, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge and South Chesterfield Ruritan Club where he also served as a trustee for many years.

For almost 60 years, Mr. Perkinson was a Baptist church deacon having served at May Memorial Baptist Church in Powhatan, Woodland Heights Baptist Church in Richmond and Matoaca Baptist Church in Matoaca. He was a founding member and former trustee of Matoaca Christian Fellowship in Matoaca.

A funeral service will be held at Matoaca Baptist Church on River Road in the Village of Matoaca at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 28, 2011. The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the service, beginning at 10:00 AM. A Private Internment service for family only will be held later at Woods United Methodist Church Cemetery in Matoaca.

Funeral arrangements are through J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Petersburg, Virginia. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .