Paul Russell Perkins

Paul Russell Perkins, 60, a resident of Cape Coral, FL since 2016, formerly of Ft. Myers, FL and Lansing, MI, passed away Wednesday, November 19, 2025 in Cape Coral, FL. He was born March 30, 1965 in Lansing, MI to Harlow and Carol Perkins.

Paul was an animated soul with a quick wit — always ready to share his (sometimes twisted) sense of humor. He lived his life the same way he shared his opinions: with boldness, passion, and absolutely no hesitation. From the time he was a little boy, his imagination ran wild; one of his closest companions in those early years was his imaginary horse, “Dusty.”

A jack of all trades, Paul never met a project he wasn’t willing to tackle himself. Fixing things wasn’t just a skill for him — it was a point of pride. His infectious smile and boundless energy were trademarks of who he was, though even the Energizer Bunny had to rest. Give him a cozy blanket with silky edges and a bowl of ice cream, and he’d be “resting his eyes” before you knew it.

A lifelong worker in the construction and labor trades, Paul applied his knowledge and skill to everything he touched — whether it was a project around the house or a job on the clock. He was a hard worker to his core, believing that effort mattered, that you could get anywhere in life if you were willing to put in the work. It’s where his motto came from: “Can’t die because you couldn’t do anything.”

Everything he learned along the way led him to a job he truly loved with the City of Cape Coral. There, he not only took pride in his work but also formed friendships with people who became like family — people whose lives he impacted just by being himself.

His greatest passion, though, was always his family. His love ran deep, and you always knew exactly where you stood with him. Even through his stubbornness, he found ways to show that he was on your side. Paul was a steady sounding board — an ear when you needed to be heard, a shoulder when you needed to cry, a hug when you needed to know you weren’t alone. His methods could sometimes be puzzling, but his heart was fullest when he was with the people he loved.

Paul’s big personality and generous spirit will be missed by all who knew him. Through his Lutheran faith, he is reunited with his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, niece, and friends — no doubt already sharing his stories and opinions with them, just as boldly as ever.

He is survived by his loving wife, Juana Perkins of Cape Coral, FL; his children Aryn Reed (Dan) of Battle Creek, MI, Russell Perkins of Cape Coral, FL, Aries Perkins of Cape Coral, FL, Ethan Perkins of Cape Coral, FL, and Kassidy Perkins of Cape Coral, FL; sister, Julie Huson of Stanton, MI; as well as grandchildren, Peyton Reed, Harper Reed and Reagan Reed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Details to be announced via www.MullinsMemorial.com.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Paul Russell Perkins are suggested to the American Heart Association at Heart.org.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.