WILMINGTON, N.C. — Retired Chief Warrant Officer William “Bill” Perkins, 53, of Wilmington, N.C., passed away October 21, 2012.

Visitation will be 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, October 26, 2012, at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel, Wilmington, N.C.

The memorial service will be held Friday, October 26, 2012, at 3 p.m. at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel in Wilmington, N.C.

Bill was born in Eufaula, Ala., to William and Barbara (Babb) Perkins.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl, and daughter, Emily; father, William of Georgia; mother, Barbara of California; brother and sister-in-law Thomas and Vicki Perkins of Columbus, Ga., and was preceded in death by brother, Timothy Perkins of Florida.

Bill retired from the Coast Guard in 2010, as a CWO4, in St. Louis, Missouri, with 32 active years of military service, having served most of his career at the Marine Safety Office in St. Louis, Mo. He received numerous awards and decorations.

Upon retirement, Bill began his next career in Paducah, Ky., with the Towing Vessel National Center of Expertise before transferring to Wilmington, N.C., as a Marine Investigator.

Throughout Bill’s life he touched so many with never-ending stories and his infectious laugh. He was inquisitive, a life-long learner, and passionate about asking questions.

He always wanted to know what Emily had learned and did that day, punctuated with exclamations of “Oh my God!” and “Weren’t you paying attention?” He is loved by his family and friends and will be sorely missed.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com.

Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel, Wilmington, N.C.