Ronald Limer Perkinson

Ronald Limer Perkinson, 77, passed away peacefully in Sanford, NC on April 24, 2025, after a long and rich life.

Ron was born in Warren County, NC, to Sterling (“Sol”) and Ruby Perkinson. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he met Edna, his loving wife of 55 years, followed by Wake Forest University Law School, where he was an editor of the law review. Ron spent his professional life practicing law in Sanford. He established a mediation practice and was consistently rated as one of the top mediators for civil litigation cases across the state.

Ron also had a second career in stand-up comedy, performing at Charlie Goodnights in Raleigh and opening for national headliners, including Jay Leno, Paul Reiser, Joe Bob Briggs, and Jake Johannsen. His comedy blended satire and his real life—stories drawn from his childhood in Warren County, his experiences as a lawyer, and even his own medical adventures. He brought comedy to Sanford in many productions over the years, with the most recent being his return to the stage in November 2024 at the Temple Theatre in Sanford with Circling the Drain, the third installment of a series of stand-up comedy shows where he performed with friends in the business. He acted in several other Temple Theatre productions and also co-wrote Lint: The First Redneck Opera, an original production performed at Raleigh’s Theater in the Park.

Ron was dedicated to the civic, social, and legal community of Sanford. He served as president of the Kiwanis Club, the Westlake Club, the Sanford Cotillion, and the Eleventh Judicial District Bar. He was also a member of the Jonesboro Rotary Club and participated in a Rotary exchange trip to India.

Ron is survived by his wife, Edna; his children Shay (Brooke) Benton, Sterling (Ashley) Perkinson, and Matt (Katie) Perkinson; and his grandchildren Sam, Finley, Tess, Margot, Sarah Sterling, and Fletcher. He was predeceased by his brother Pepi Perkinson and his nephew Grant Perkinson. Ron's family and friends will forever carry his stories, his warmth, and his sense of humor in their hearts.

A service to celebrate Ron’s life will be held at a date to be announced, at St. Luke United Methodist Church, where family and friends will gather to honor his memory and the joy he brought to so many.

Gifts in his memory may be made to St. Luke United Methodist Church (www.saintlukeumc.org) or the Arthritis Foundation (arthritis.org).