Ralph Mervyn "Cy" Perkins

RALPH MERVYN "CY" PERKINS passed away on October 5th, 2023, after a short illness, almost reaching his 92nd birthday. He was born October 13th, 1931 to Leola Izora Barnett and her husband Mervyn William Jeffery. He was th oldest child, with two brothers and a sister. The family moved frequently to follow work opportunities as the Depression was ending. Ralph moved back to the Portland area to live with his mother and new stepfather, Clyde "Spike" Perkins at the age of 15. He took the name "Perkins" at that time and eventually had it legally changed. Ralph became involved in sports while at Banks High School where he was given the nickname "Cy". He became a big brother to another child, LeRoy Perkins. Cy accepted a scholarship to play football at Oregon Technical Institute where he met another student, Betty Belle Shearer. They married on April 13, 1952. Cy's college career was interrupted when he was drafted into the Army. Their first child, Robin was born in Fort Lewis, Washington. After leaving the Army, the family settled in Ashland, Oregon were Cy and Betty both finished college. Their children Debra and Steven were born there. Cy began his teaching and coaching career in Medford, Oregon. After a short stint at Sutherlin High School, Cy accepted a position at Umpqua Community College, where taught, coached basketball and was the Athletic Director. He was inducted into both the UCC and the NWAC Hall of Fame. Cy joined the Army Reserve where he was promoted up the ranks t the level of Lieutenant Colonel. He commanded several units around the state before mandatory retirement at the age of 53. Cy's wife Betty, preceded him in death in November of 2022. He is survived by his three children, sister Jean, brother LeRoy, seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. A service with full Military Honors will be held at the Roseburg National Cemetery pavilion on October 27, 2023 at 1:00 pm. Following that, Cy's children will host a gathering at Oak Hills Golf Club Pro Shop, where food and beverages will be provided.