NEWBERRY — Howard Ben Perkins, 63, of 92 Maple Lane, Newberry, died Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013, at his residence.

Born in Onieda, Tenn., he was a son of the late Roy and Mary Ryan Perkins.

Mr. Perkins retired after 26 years as a baker with Merrita Bakery, he was the “Laundry Boy” of Apopka for 10 years and an avid collector of comic books and toys and was a member of the N.R.A. Ben never met a stranger, and always had a smile or a joke to share. He was a loving and caring grandfather and great-grandfather.

Surviving are his wife of 27 years; Joan Riesmeyer Perkins; sisters, Galia Ann Stephens and Peggy Ann Perkins, children, Roy (Billie Jo) Perkins and Sandra Dee Reyes; grandchildren, Felica Perkins, Corin and Cory Perkins, Justin and Jared Bates, Michelle Shirran, Sean Reyes, Samantha Reyes, and C.J. Reyes; great-grandchildren, Tinsley Perkins, Susan Morton, and Kyla and Calvin Grantham; stepchildren, James Delph Jr., Jill (John) Jordan, Jennifer (Colin) Pett, and Julie Delph; and step-grandchildren, Wilson, Sandra, Angela and Carlos Jordan, Hannah and Declan Pett, and Jonathan and Madalyn Zervos. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by uncles and an aunt, Coy Perkins and J. Earl and Lois Wilson.

Funeral service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013, at St. Mark Catholic Church.

Memorials may be made to the St. Mark Catholic Church, Building Fund, 928 Boundary St., Newberry, S.C. 29108.

The family expresses their sincere appreciation to Palmetto Health Hospice for the care Ben received.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com.

Whitaker Funeral Home of Newberry is assisting the family.