JESSE RAY PERKINS

Ray, as he was always called, was born August 24 1926 to Lee and Stella Perkins in Skedee Oklahoma. He passed away Jan 4 2025 in Bakersfield ,Ca he was 98 years old.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years Betty , 3 daughters Joann Carson , Glenda Kaundart , Peggy Cross. His brother Charles Anderson & wife Judy. 14 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren. Ray was preceded in death by his parents and children Rita Gayle Perkins, Susan Howen, Odie Dale Perkins, Jeri Lynn Davidson ,Joe Ben Perkins and 7 brothers and sisters

Ray was part of the greatest generation. He served in the Army during WW 2. and was deployed overseas. Like many of this generation, he didn't speak much of his time there. He did serve in Germany and was in Japan when the peace treaty was signed.

He was discharged in 1946 and returned home to Oklahoma where he married his first wife and had their children. Ray and his first wife divorced and in early 60's he came to California, where he made home. He had a few jobs but Ray retired from Tejon Ranch where he spent 25 plus years as an irrigation foreman.

In 1993 he married Betty, and she calls him the love of her life. Ray and Betty had enjoyed country dancing at Bakersfield's historic Trouts. Ray loved dancing and was known to frequent some Bakersfield's most Historic and legendary nightclubs. They also loved road trips. They often traveled all over the country with nothing more than a road atlas to guide them and random books of places to visit. Ray clearly had nerves of steel and the patience of Job , as anyone who has driven mine and Karen's mom, Betty , across town knows how stressful that is , much less across the nation :)

Ray lived a full long life and will be missed by everyone