William E. "Bill" Perkins Jr

Durham – William Errette Perkins, Jr., 87, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Hock Family Pavilion after a years' long battle against kidney and heart failure. Born on February 24, 1938, in Lee County, NC, to the late William E. Perkins, Sr., and Pauline Causey Perkins, Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Patricia "Pat" Rice Perkins; dear sons, Adam M. Perkins (Joanna Prose,) David B. Perkins; the apple of his eye grandson, Adam J. "AJ" Perkins; sisters, June Ribbink (the late Ray) and Faye Kilmon (Ed) and their sons; several first cousins in Raleigh, Florida and Michigan, as well as by his wife's large Cleveland family whom he dearly loved and considered his own from Day One.

A veteran of the US Army, Bill subsequently spent most of his professional career in the architectural/engineering/construction industry, first working with Nello L. Teer Construction Company. As Teer's Project Superintendent, Bill interfaced with the new Chapel Hill Public Works facility's design architect, O'Brien Atkins Associates. They were so impressed that they hired Bill to initiate and manage their Construction Contract Administration program, a position he held for 25 years before retiring in 2004. As a bonus, Bill met his lovely bride Pat at O'Brien Atkins when she joined the firm in 1984 in marketing. Bill always said Pat's job was to bring the work in and his job was to get it out!

Bill loved his family, golfing, male bonding and organizing golf trips for his buddy group. He traveled the United States and played many famous golf courses with his friends. Known for his genial personality, ability to communicate and solve problems, Bill was able to work well with others but could be firm and very direct when needed. (Just ask the general contractor community. One even told him they would hire him just so they could fire him! But they worked out the construction issues and became friends instead.)

At the age of 80, Bill and Pat were gifted with their grandson, AJ, (Adam and Joanna) and words cannot convey how much he loved this child. He wanted to teach him the sports that he himself excelled at in his school and US Army days (basketball and baseball) and golf. Sadly, Bill's physical ailments didn't permit him to do this, but he saw his time with AJ as priceless.

Bill was witty, smart and stubborn. He was a warrior with all his health battles and never gave up! He will be missed.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 am on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Holy Infant Catholic Church, 5000 Southpark Drive in Durham, NC, officiated by Rev. Robert Rutledge, OSFS. All are invited to a reception afterward at Hope Valley Country Club, Renaissance Room, 3803 Dover Rd, Durham, NC 27707.

The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham. Online condolences may be sent to www.clementsfuneralservice.com.