50-Year-Reunion

Larry Dean Perkins 8518 Grand Aspen Way/ Riverview, Florida 33578 (813) 956 - 5763 Larry.perkins57@gmail.com April 15

Larry graduated High School, married his Junior High School sweetheart, Cindy, a week later, and went directly into the Air Force. Larry served four years, two at Vandenburg Air Force Base in central California, and two at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Larry and Cindy moved back to Bluefield in 1979, and continued to reside there for another four years. During that time, their son, Jesse, was born, and Cindy ’ s Dad passed away unexpectedly. The economy in Bluefield was dipping, and Larry decided to rejoin the military, this time joining the U. S. Army. He, Cindy, and Jesse headed to Massachusetts for six months while Larry attended Army Intelligence School at Fort Devens. They then went to Germany for a 3 ½ year tour in Ansbach, Bavaria, West Germany. Larry spent much time along the Czech border. While in Germany, their daughter, Amber, was born. They moved back to the States when Amber was four months old. At the end of that tour of duty, the Perkins family moved to Tampa, Florida, where Cindy ’ s Mom had settled. Larry went to work for the Caterpillar Heavy Equipment dealer in central Florida, Ring Power Corporation. Anyone who knows Larry understands that he is a very loyal man. He retired from there in December, 2023, after 38 years at this same job! He now keeps the home fires burning, taking care of their Havanese, Roscoe, while Cindy is freed up to do all that God is calling her to do. They make a great ministry couple! Larry enjoys watching sports of all kinds. He loves watching the Celtics play basketball, the Jets play football, the WVU Mountaineers and USF Bulls play ball of all kinds, and any kind of racing. He has been blessed to attend a number of NASCAR races, including the first night race at Daytona International Speedway, and the Last Race of the Century in Atlanta. At that race, he secured pit and garage passes (before 9/11) and was able to watch practice sitting on pit wall! Dream come true! He loves to walk and hike. He is most happy when spending time with family and playing Farkle (if you ’ ve never played, you must!) Larry has had a couple of battles with cancer in the last six years, but he is a fighter, and seems to have beaten the beast recently for the second time. Larry lost his Dad in 2012, and they lost Cindy ’ s Mom in 2008. Larry ’ s Mom is still living in Bluefield, and will turn 97 on her next birthday! By the time of the reunion, Larry and Cindy will have celebrated 50 years of marriage! They host several Bible studies each week, and Larry ’ s gift of hospitality makes everyone feel welcome and special in their home.

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