Verdis Weldon Perkins

Verdis Weldon (Buddy) Perkins-Kirby
Buddy Perkins Kirby 88 of Orangefield, Tx. was called Home peacefully on December 13th, 2022, at Bonne Vie in Port Arthur with his daughter and son-in-law by his side.
He was born to Gladys and Thomas Kirby on September 18th, 1934, in Gainesville, Tx. He is proceeded in death by his wife of 63yrs Beverly Perkins, parents Gladys Keaton and Tom Kirby, grandparents who raised him (Hatti and Isaac Turner Perkins), brother Harold Wayne Kirby, sister-in-law Lois and husband Jim Lackey.
Daddy attended Thomas Jefferson High School where he excelled in academics, advancing to the next grade and graduating a year ahead of his class. He was also an outstanding baseball player, one of the best from his time, known for his countless Homeruns and a playmaker at 3rd base. He continued playing the game he loved all the way to Semi-Pros, until he met the love of his life our Mother Beverly and chose to hang up his cleats. From there he pursued his 2nd love, photography and opened his own studio Buddy Perkins Photography. I remember as a little girl he and Mother working in the dark room watching their photos come to life. In 1972 Daddy moved our family to Orangefield, Tx. and began his career with World’s Finest Chocolate. Our home was always filled with an assortment of chocolates and our friends called him “The Candyman.” He retired from World’s Finest Chocolate after 30 years of dedicated service.
There wasn’t much our Dad couldn’t do. He was incredibly talented with music, He taught himself to play the Guitar, Banjo, and Harmonica all by ear and had a beautiful voice. He loved to hunt, fish and build, was a devoted Cowboy’s fan, and he loved the Frio River. He was a Christian of the Church of Christ faith and a member of the Orangefield Church of Christ. Unfortunately, The Church was damaged due to Hurricane Harvey and relocated.
Dad was a special man, anyone that knew him loved him. He treated everyone with kindness and respect. A true example and role model growing up. He was so patient, never hearing a curse word from his lips. He was known for quick one-liner jokes and creating nicknames for many. But if you were to ask him his biggest fulfillment in life and joy above everything else was his only grandchild, Tryce Howard. They were buddies from day one. Papa taught Tryce so much and shared with him his love of baseball. He loved his four nephews very much Jeff Lackey, David, Mark, and Joel Kirby. They each shared how Uncle Bud made such an impact on their childhood and his cousin Nathan Kirby stated, “He was my Hero.”
My Dad introduced us and many others to the Frio River and his memory will forever be there, under the Big Cedar Tree On The River.
He is survived by his two daughters Dana Kirby Simoneaux-husband Jr of Many, La and Tana Kirby Howard-husband Tommy of Orangefield, Tx. One grandchild Tryce Howard of Orangefield, Tx. Two sisters Tommye Jean Corlew of Nashville, TN and Margaret O’Neal of Lampasas, TX. A very special sister-in-law Evelyn Kirby of Orangefield, Tx. Nieces that he dearly loved Susan, Peggy, and Jennifer (Cissy), along with his 3 nieces in Nashville and his nephews listed above.
A special Thank You to Ken Blanda Executive Director of Bonne Vie Skilled Nursing Facility and all his staff. They provided loving care for the past 9 months and Daddy considered everyone there his friend.
Cremation is under the direction of Levingston Funeral Home Groves, Tx.
To honor my Daddy’s wishes. He requested not to have a Memorial Service, but instead he asked for everyone to remember the special moments with him and how much he loved you all.
Rest in Peace Sweet Man.