Fred M. Perkins, Jr.

July 8, 1938 - December 26, 2023

Fred M. (“Bo”) Perkins, Jr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and esteemed architect, passed away peacefully at home on the morning of December 26, 2023. Born in Little Rock, Arkansas on July 8, 1938, Fred was the son of Fred M. Perkins, Sr. and Mary Catherine Perkins from Carlisle. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary E. (“Janie”) Perkins, his father, his mother and his sister, Bettye Lott.

Fred was a dedicated member of the Arkansas National Guard. As a freshman at Arkansas Tech in 1957, he was called to serve by Governor Orval Faubus and was federalized by President Dwight D. Eisenhower during the Central High School crisis. Demonstrating his commitment, he drilled every day for one year before being released in 1958. Fred continued to serve in the Arkansas National Guard during his college years after he transferred to the University of Arkansas School of Architecture in Fayetteville, where he graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Architecture.

Following his education, Fred embarked on a successful career in architecture. He began working for Cowling and Roark, and in 1966 he joined H. Price Roark Architect and Engineer, which later became known as Roark, Perkins and Kennedy, and today is known as RPPY Architects. Fred achieved a remarkable milestone by passing the licensing exam on his first attempt, completing all parts of the four-day exam, becoming only the third person to do so. He dedicated his entire fifty plus year career to RPPY Architects, contributing to the design of numerous well-known churches, schools, shopping centers, industrial buildings, office buildings and medical facilities across the state of Arkansas.

Fred is survived by his son, Fred M. Perkins III and wife Kathy of Little Rock; daughter, Karla Perkins Lasiter and husband Jake of Little Rock; sisters-in-law, Martha Ann Moery and husband Sonny of Carlisle and La Rose Kuonen of Hot Springs. He leaves behind a legacy through his six grandchildren, who knew him as BoBo: Grace Hannah Lasiter (26), Olivia Lasiter (23), Emily Lasiter (21), Kendall Perkins (25), Bennett Perkins (22), and Brandon Perkins (22); and three nephews and four nieces.

Fred was a proud member of St. James United Methodist Church, a place he designed with his architectural expertise. He served as a former Scoutmaster of Troop 395 (St. James), was a former board member of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas and served many years on the City of Little Rock Planning Commission.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at St. James United Methodist Church and will be officiated by Rev. Ben Crismon and Rev. Greg Schick, with a private burial to follow.  Arrangements are provided by Smith Family Funeral Homes in Little Rock. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to St. James United Methodist Church (www.stjameslr.org/give) or the charity of your choice.

Fred will be dearly missed by all who knew him, and will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his community and his remarkable contributions to the architectural landscape of Arkansas. May he rest in peace.