Howard Rance Perkins

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Service Schedule
Memorial Service
Highland Valley United Methodist Church
15524 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
Monday, October 18, 2021
12:00 p.m.
Memorial Contributions
Highland Valley United Methodist Church
15524 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211

Howard Rance Perkins

of Inlet Beach, FL

October 14, 1938 - October 9, 2021

Howard Rance Perkins (Aka Ranger, Papa), born on October 14, 1938 in Manila, AR passed away unexpectedly October 9th from a massive heart attack while sitting in his chair watching the Razorbacks play Ole Miss with his adored wife Martha (Gran) in their new home in Inlet Beach, FL. Rance and Martha with daughter Jennifer had recently moved from Little Rock, AR to Inlet Beach to be close to daughter Charlotte and their adored grandchildren Sydney, Alex and Ely. Papa was the greatest son, husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law and friend to us all for his 82 years.

With no significant downtime or deterioration during his life, his sudden passing is devastating to his adoring family, as we hold closely to Papa's infectious spirit. His purpose in life was undoubtedly to love and cherish Martha, their marriage of 62 years admired by all as the gold standard of what a relationship is supposed to look like. In true Arkansas fashion, Rance and Martha met when Martha was 12, started dating at 14 and married at 17 and were inseparable in life for the next 60 years. Martha and Rance worked together every day, drove to work together, set across from each other in their work stations, usually had lunch each day together and always had dinner together each evening. After Rance's retirement, he would describe himself as a "go get her", as he would take Martha to and go get her from work and bring her home. Their hobbies were mutual with each other but their family was their primary focus. They set an amazing example to their beloved daughters and grandchildren.

After graduation from ASU, Rance worked in the family farm business in Southeast, Mo before moving Martha, and teenage daughters Jennifer and Charlotte to Little Rock to work selling real estate and later in the financial services business and later working with his son in law (Scotty) at Excel Energy Group. Rance was never shy from a new adventure, but his love for family and friends, and his willingness to sacrifice all else for others made him everyone's favorite and won our admiration.

Perhaps Rance's greatest gift was his unconditional love of family and friends. Prior to the move to Fl, Gran and Papa lived for 20 years on the same property with their children and grandchildren. He drove the grandkids to school most every day and attended all their functions. Papa shared a kindred spirit with each of them. He would rarely say no to youngest grandson Ely's request for "do we have time Papa to stop for a "donuck", he wouldn't miss grandsons Ely or Alex's athletic games starting at 4-year old soccer throughout high school football, basketball, and soccer games, nor would he dare miss granddaughter Sydney's soccer or volleyball games from preschool through high school. He had the rare ability to make each of us always feel better about ourselves after every conversation. A great man!

Papa was so proud of his daughters Jennifer and Charlotte, each of whom embodied his wonderful spirit. After retiring from Dentistry and teaching at UALR, Jennifer lived with them bringing great joy to Martha and Rance. Charlotte, cut from the same cloth as Martha, both strong in personality, beautiful and high achieving women. Martha and Charlotte made Rance so proud and were a beautiful compliment to a happy go lucky guy who had nothing but a great day everyday!

Rance is survived by wife Martha, daughters Jennifer and Charlotte (Scotty) , granddaughter Sydney Caroom, grandsons Alex Caroom (Janie) and Ely Caroom.

In lieu of flowers, the Family suggests donations to: Highland Valley Methodist Church, 15524 Chenal Parkway, LR, AR 72211.

We will have celebration of Papa's life from noon to 1:00 pm on Monday, October 18, 2021, at Highland Valley Methodist Church.





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12 Condolence(s)
Brian Winstead
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, October 18, 2021

Martha, Charlotte and family,
I was very sad to hear about the passing of Rance. I was fortunate to live across the street from the Rance and Martha for 15 years on Longwood Road. Rance had a loving and caring spirit and was a great neighbor and friend that was always looking out for others. After seeing me struggle mowing my acreage with a small John Deere mower Rance let me borrow his big zero turn Toro mower, commercial grade of course. His mower cut about 5 times faster than mine so I soon had a Toro of my own. It always put a smile on my face to see Rance and Martha in a Lexus full of rescue dogs going on there afternoon drive. He will be missed but his memory and the effect he had on others lives is everlasting.
You are in my thoughts and prayers,
Brian Winstead

Donna L Rutledge
MAUMELLE, AR
Liked
Sunday, October 17, 2021

Martha, I am so sorry to hear about Rance, he was one special man. Have so many memories of our time together at McKay. Hugs to you and your family.

Karen Dennis
Maumelle, AR
Liked
Sunday, October 17, 2021

So sorry for your loss! Prayers for comfort for the family in the coming days!

Wanda & Don Crow
Little Rock, Arkansas, AR
Liked
Sunday, October 17, 2021

WE'RE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU,MARTHA AND YOUR FAMILY. WANDA AND DON

Charles Furr
Jackson, MS
Liked
Thursday, October 14, 2021

Billie and I have offen revisited the time Rance came over to check on my pool on Notth Palm and while we were having coffee all my cats thought y’all had come to visit them. What a laugh…..

Vicki Davis Brewer
Chamblee, GA
Liked
Wednesday, October 13, 2021

My heart breaks to know that Rance Perkins is no longer with us! What a dear man who I'm proud to say was a friend for almost 40 years! Sending all my love and prayers to Martha, Jennifer, Charlotte and family. I know that my life is certainly richer because I call Rance my friend! He will certainly be missed.

Loris Fullerton
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, October 13, 2021

Charlotte and family,
I was so so sorry to read about your Dad passing away suddenly. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Sending love and prayers to you and the Perkins family.
Loris Fullerton

Lesley Haughaboo
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Martha and family,
I’m so sorry to read about the sudden passing of your beloved Rance. I just met him a few times a church , but he was always friendly and I know he will be missed. He earned his reward in heaven and what a wonderful day it will be when we ALL get there to be with our loved ones. God is good and he loves you! Trust in HIS plan and timing. One day your plan will be revealed to you.

Noelle Buttry
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, October 12, 2021

This perfectly captures Rance. His love for Martha and his family were tops and I am forever grateful for the chance I had to get to know Rance & Martha. There are not two finer people.

Rex Eley
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, October 11, 2021

Rance was the best friend a person could ever have. He always made you laugh and said things to brighten your day regardless of the circumstances. He loved Martha and his family above all else and showed it every time we were together. If he ever had a bad day, my guess is only Martha knew it. Rance and I were texting during the first half of the Arkansas-Ole Miss game last Saturday, and I missed our after-game call. Even though not having Rance with us in person is going to be difficult, no doubt if he could, he would tell each of us to celebrate him having the time of his life in heaven! Martha, you always said that "Ranger was a hard dog to keep under the porch." But you had him devoted to you and the rest of his family 100% of the time ... in every conversation and every circumstance I witnessed! Bottomline, Rance was a great man and a blessing to all of us. Be well my friend ... you are in a better place!

Belinda C. Eley
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, October 11, 2021

Rance was a "priceless" friend and it is with a heavy heart that I write this message. My condolences and love go out to Martha, Jennifer, and Charlotte and her family. Knowing Rance was such a privilege and joy....his smile was contagious! I pray for comfort and peace for Martha and her family. God bless.

Love,
Belinda

Joseph B. Turbeville, Ph.D.
Franklin, TN
Liked
Monday, October 11, 2021

Martha and family,
It was a great shock to hear of Rance’s sudden passing. He always seemed to be larger than life; with an infectious smile and heart warming personality. He was one of my all-time favorite patients and Norma and I dearly loved his office visits over many years. We understand totally the devastation and grief that you are going through; our son died suddenly on Easter Sunday, eleven years ago. It still seems like he should pop through the door at any moment. Our shock and grief was tempered by the fact that we knew, as Christians, that his last breath here was his first breath in Heaven. Rance is now walking streets of gold surveying sights we can only imagine and in the presence of his Lord and Savior. Remember, life on earth is as a wisp of wind; what joy awaits when we soon reunite with our loved ones in glory. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.

Joe and Norma Turbeville