He was born Jan. 29, 1930, in Iaeger, W.Va., a son of L.D. Perkins and Frances Robinson Perkins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers Walter Fillmore Perkins and McGinnis James Perkins.

Surviving are his wife, JoAnne Braford Perkins; children, Richard “Ricky” Fillmore Perkins and Cecelia “Tina” Perkins of Natural Bridge; grandchildren, Justin Denison, Nicole Perkins St.Clair and Nicholas “Nic” Joseph Dunn (Ashley); sisters, Frances Hines and Rebecca Jones (Tom) of Jonesville, Dorothy Perkins and Gail Perkins of Natural Bridge and Mary Porter Knight (John) of Ashland, and JoAnn Zirkle Perkins of Crozet; great-grandchildren, Dylan St. Clair, Sophia, Nora, Michael and James Dunn. He had specials friends, Bob Pickral and Butch Irvine. Many thanks to Tressa Sorrells, Hope Willmore, Jordan Sorrels and Michalla Braford for their excellent care.

Joe attended Ferrum College, was a Navy veteran, retired from the U.S. Forest Service and was a member of Beth Horon United Methodist Church. He was also a Ruritan for many years and was a Tom Downing Fellow. Joe loved using his pocket knife to carve beautiful birds and other wildlife.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. There will be a private burial at the Braford Cemetery at Gilmore Mills, Natural Bridge Station.

In lieu of flowers, make contributions to ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice, 315 Myers St., Lexington, VA or the Natural Bridge Fire Department First Responders.

Arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory. N-G