Billy Wayne Perkins Sr.

Mr. Billy Wayne Perkins Sr. 77, of Osceola went to be with the Lord Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2012, from Lexington, Tenn. Mr. Perkins was the son of Lilbourne Ernest Perkins and Jewel E. Austin Perkins. He was employed as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service for 38 years until his retirement.

He was a veteran of the United States Army, and a member of the First Baptist Church of Osceola, the Wattersaw Beagle Club, the National Association of Letter Carriers and was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.

Mr. Perkins' hobbies were horses, dogs, hunting and shooting, reading western novels, and collecting handmade belt buckles. Although he was a man of varied interests, his special love was his family.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years: Betty Wooten Perkins of Osceola;

One son, Billy Wayne Perkins Jr. (and wife Debbie) of Osceola;

One daughter, Stefanie Smithey (and husband Danny Joe) of Osceola;

One brother, Dr. Ernie Perkins (and wife Wanda) of Edmond, Okla.;

Two grandsons, Chris Perkins of Wilson and Chase Smithey of Osceola;

Three granddaughters, Jewelia Perkins of Osceola, Courtney Smithey-Powell (and husband Brandon) of Osceola, and BrieAnna Smithey (and T.J. Boyles) of Osceola; and

Two great-grandchildren, Terrin Powell and Jase Boyles of Osceola.

Visitation for Mr. Perkins will be this from 6-8 p.m. today at First Baptist Church in Osceola. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church in Osceola, with Dr. Ernie Perkins and the Rev. Jay Weaver officiating. Interment will be in Mississippi County Memorial Gardens in Osceola. Condolences may be sent to www.carneyfuneralhome.com