PINE BLUFF — David Russell Perdue,

86, of Pine Bluff, died Sunday, January 24, 2021. He was born May 3, 1934, the second son of the late J. A. Perdue, JR. and the late Elise Russell Perdue. He grew up in Pine Bluff attending schools there, graduating from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville where he was a member and consul of Sigma Chi Fraternity. Upon graduation, he received a commission as lieutenant in the U. S. Air Force. David married Karen Dare Terry on September 23, 1956. He spent one year serving in Korea and completed his duty as a Captain at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. He and his family moved back to Pine Bluff where he rejoined his father, uncle and brother in the Perdue Company.

David had many varied interests. He loved history and particularly the American Civil War. He published a book on this subject, “They Never Came Back”. David also supervised the rebuilding of a Gatling Gun belonging to the Old State House during his affiliation with the Arkansas History Commission. Additionally, he served as an Elder in Central Presbyterian Church, Pine Bluff. David also served as a board member for the Pine Bluff Symphony, Simmons Bank, Trinity Village, Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce, Pine Bluff Rotary Club, Arkansas Game & Fish Foundation, Central Transformer, Arkansas State History Commission-Chairman.

His favorite sport was hunting, particularly duck hunting. David was also a founding member of Jefferson Wildlife Foundation, Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Historical Society, Jefferson County Ducks Unlimited and Grumpy Old Men’s Duck Club. He served as a Judge and Emcee for the Stuttgart Duck Calling contest for three years and a duck guide at Circle T for 16 years. David was an Alumni of the University of Arkansas Alumni 1956.

David was Vice president and owner of The Perdue Company. He was awarded Jefferson Davis medal from VDC, retired U. S. Air Force Veteran Captain.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, J.A. Perdue, III and Richard M. Perdue.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Karen Terry Perdue; two sons, David (Tana) Perdue, Jr., and Paul (Lisa) Perdue; daughter, Melissa (Rick) Tucker; grandchildren, Colin (Brianna) Tucker, Wells (Sydney) Tucker, Dylan Priest, Fletcher Perdue, Marie Perdue, Kessler Perdue, Blair Elise Perdue and Alexander Perdue; and great-grandchildren, Camille Tucker and James Tucker.

Private services will be held 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 29, 2021, with the Dr. John Landis officiating. Interment will be private. Services will be live streamed on www.ralphrobinsonandson.com and on the Ralph Robinson and Son Facebook page. All current Covid-19 guidelines will be followed. Memorials may be made to Central Presbyterian Church, 6300 Trinity Drive, Pine Bluff, Ark., 71603. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com