Phillip Eugene "Gene" Perkins, 79, passed away peacefully at home in White Stone, Virginia, on May 26, 2025.

Gene was born on April 1, 1946, in Ormond Beach, Florida. He graduated from Old Dominion University in 1971 with a degree in Chemistry and Business, which laid the foundation for his varied and successful career.

Gene was one of the first distributors of Hawaiian Tropic suntan products on the East Coast and was affectionately known locally as the "Sun Tan Man." His entrepreneurial spirit and connection to the community left a lasting impression.

Gene also had a long and fulfilling career as a Customs Operations Manager for United Airlines at Dulles Airport, where he was well-respected by his colleagues for his dedication and professionalism.

Beyond his career, Gene was an avid boater and international traveler, always eager to explore new places and cultures. In his later years, he found great joy in sitting on his dock with a glass of wine, watching the sunset over the water—one of his favorite ways to unwind and appreciate life's quiet beauty.

Gene will be remembered for his kindness, his great love for his family, and his unwavering support for his friends and community. All the children in his local community will remember him fondly as "Santa," a role he embraced with warmth and joy, bringing smiles to countless faces during the holiday season. Gene was also known for his fantastic stories, which were a great source of entertainment for everyone who knew him, keeping his friends and family laughing for hours.

Gene was preceded in death by his much-beloved son, Phillip. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Jo Ann; his daughter, Lindsey; his brother-in-law; and his niece and nephews. He is also remembered by a host of friends, colleagues, and loved ones whose lives he touched.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 6, at 3:00 p.m. at Edge Hill Cemetery, Charles Town, WV.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 5, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Eackles-Spencer and Norton Funeral Home, 256 Halltown Rd, Harpers Ferry, WV. Friends and family are invited to attend and celebrate Gene's life.

Additionally, a memorial service will be held in Kilmarnock, VA, at Grace Episcopal Church at noon on July 19, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hope Lodge, 1552 Shoup Court, Decatur, GA 30033, in honor of Gene.