Howard Ben Perkins 63 of 92 Maple Lane Newberry died Saturday January 12 2013 at his residence. Born in Onieda TN 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; step-children 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 were conducted at 10:30 AM Saturday January 19 2013 at St. Mark Catholic Church. Memorials may be made to the St. Mark Catholic Church Building Fund 928 Boundary Street 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.