ORRINGTON – Raymond Lee Perkins Jr., 90, passed away Dec. 5, 2011, surrounded by his loving family at a Bangor hospital. He was born May 29, 1921, in the Perkins farmhouse where he lived all of his life.
Raymond will be remembered for his generosity and love for his family, community and country. He volunteered for the U.S. Army in World War II, serving in the Pacific Theater on Guadalcanal. Upon returning from the war he married his sweetheart Louise Maxine Smith of Bangor. They were married at First United Methodist Church of Orrington. Raymond served the town of Orrington as a selectman, volunteer firefighter for 40 years, post office worker and rural carrier. He founded the Maurice W. Miles Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 4527 of Orrington by obtaining the charter in 1945, was the first commander, the 50th commander, and life member serving until recently as chaplain. He was a Master Mason, Blue Lodge member of Ralph J. Pollard Lodge No. 217 of Orrington. In his past years he was a dedicated volunteer at Coles Museum, Bangor, where he spent more than 1500 hours touching many young lives by relating his experiences in World War II. Raymond was a volunteer for Tin Tickers at a local hospital for 22 years, Meals for Me for 15 years and the Penobscot Country Sheriff’s Department as a deputy for many years. Raymond was the proud operator of the 100th tree farm in Maine for more than 60 years.
Raymond is survived by his wife of 68 years, Louise; three children, Gerald and his recently deceased wife, Joyce, of Orrington, Peter and his wife, Venecia, of Alachua, Fla., and Diane and her husband, Mickey Mallory, of Milton, N.H.; and sister, Jeanette Durgin of Clarkdale, Ariz. Raymond and Louise have seven grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Raymond was predeceased by his father, Raymond Lee Sr.; mother, Gladys; and two sisters, Beulah Bowden and Thelma Bowden.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at First United Methodist Church of Orrington with the Rev. Brenda Leclerc officiating. After the services friends are invited to share conversation and refreshments at the church. Those wishing to remember Raymond may make gifts in his name to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 108, 14 Center Drive, Orrington, ME 04474. A service of Brookings-Smith, Brewer Chapel, 55 South Main St., Brewer.