Craig Perkins

Craig Andrew Perkins, age 71 passed away at Sumer Regional Hospital in Gallatin, TN after a lengthy illness.

Born in Oakland, CA on December 20, 1949 into an Air Force family, Craig served as Director of Translation Services, Indonesia while on his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. (1970-1972). He was one of the first groups of missionaries to serve in Indonesia.

He earned several degrees from Brigham Young University: a BA in Political Science (1974) and MA degrees in both Political Social Psychology and Asian Studies (1976). `

In 1975, Craig became a Commissioned Army Officer while attending Brigham Young University. During his more than 13 years of service in the Army, he attended numerous courses including the NBC Staff Officer's Course, Winter Warfare School, Operations Research/Systems Analysis, Officer Advance Course, Military Intelligence Analysis, and Strategic Problems in Asia. Some of his duty assignments included the Amour Engineer Board, Ft. Knox, KY,
(1978-1980); Strategic Intelligence Analysis, Defense Intelligence Agency, Pentagon (1980-83), and Special Security Officer, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers, Europe-SHAPE (1986-1988). Craig was also an Assistant Logistics Officer while in the Army Reserve at Ft. Meade, MD (1988-1989).
As a civilian, Craig was a Statistician/Data Analysist for the US Dept. of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics focusing on the study and publication of Federal and State prisons data. His publications included "Weapon Use and Violent Crime" (2003). From 1989-1992, he also worked part-time for the Wilson Center for Public Research. Craig created coding schemes for questions, conducted telephone polls primarily of AFL-CIO members, and wrote reports outlining the results of these polls.

Known for his wide range of interests, Craig's hobbies included playing chess, writing poetry and fantasy fiction, studying about black holes, listening to Gregorian chants and audio books, and collecting pocket watches and miniature clocks. An avid reader, his interests ranged from mythology, fantasy, intellectual history, and political polling to foreign films and leadership at all levels and in all disciplines. A teacher at heart, Craig did not hesitate to share his knowledge or skills with those around him, especially children and young adults.
His volunteer experiences included coaching soccer, leading discussions at Parents Without Partners meetings in VA, working with students struggling with reading in Washington, DC schools, and serving as a receptionist at Mt. Vernon Hospital in VA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Carson Perkins and Dorothy Jane (Tuck) Perkins, and his brother Kevin Kennedy Perkins (Ana). Craig is survived by his wife of 27 years, Barbara Lynn (Owen) Perkins and his children Sean (Kimberly), Brandy (Christopher), and Kristen. He is also survived by his brothers Stephen (Karen), Mark (Lisa) and David (Holly), his former wife, Karen (McCarthy) Perkins Wayment, and grandchildren William, Maxwell, Charlotte, River, Trinity and Quinn.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fisher House Foundation at fisherhouse.org. This foundation builds homes at military and Veteran's Affairs medical centers around the world. Families stay free of charge while their family members are in the hospital.

Visitation will be begin at 10:00 on Saturday, June 19th at Crestview Funeral Home. A Life Celebration will be held at 11:00 am with burial to follow at Crestview Memorial Gardens.

Written by Barbara Perkins