Michael Leon Perkins

Michael Leon "Smokin' Mike" Perkins Sr. was born to the parentage of Aaron Foster (preceded in death) and Mildred Perkins. Blessing the world with his presence on January 9, 1960. He was born and raised in Hallandale Beach, Florida, by his mother, Mildred Perkins Childs, and Stepfather, Julius Childs (who preceded him in death). Michael was raised in a God-loving family, and at an early age, he gave his life to Christ at the Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of O. W. Foster. Michael's love for singing led him to join the Ebenezer youth choir, where he would sing background and lead songs like "It's Gonna Rain." Michael always did whatever he could to help take care of this family. When Michael was 11 years old began delivering newspapers on a paper route with The Candy Man. Michael started his first summer job at age 13, working at Dixie Park as a park aide. Michael attended Chester A. Moore Elementary School and Hallandale High School 'Home of the Mighty Chargers" there he played Football and graduated Class of 1978. After graduation from high school, he served on the Hallandale High School Alumni Committee. Michael loved music, and he loved to sing. You could hear Michael singing whenever a song he knew would come on the radio. Michael participated in and won several talent contests in high school, and Dixie Park talent shows with his love of music and a voice like no other. Everyone figured he would be an R&B singer. But Michael had other plans in 1979. Michael began to train as an amateur boxer at The L.A League YMCA in Ft Lauderdale and The 5th street Gym, in Miami, Florida. In 1981 Michael won the Golden Gloves Heavyweight Championship. This achievement opened doors for Michael; behind one of those doors was a man named Mike Fletcher, who took Michael under his wing and introduced him to the world of professional boxing. In the midst of training and awaiting his first professional match, Michael would work odd jobs at Old Dominion, Coca-Cola, Broward County Public School Board, and Holiday Inn Hotel, where he met Denise Brown. Upon seeing her, Michael knew and said that "she was going to be my wife." In 1983 Michael relocated to New York City, where he revived the training and conditioning he needed enabling him to compete as a professional heavyweight boxer. It is told that Sugar Ray Leonard was at his first professional fight, and although Michael lost that fight, Sugar Ray told Michael he "came out SMOKIN," hence the name Smokin Mike Perkins. Smokin' Mike has been in the company of some of the best Mike Tyson, Bonecrusher Smith, Trevor Berbick, Josh Bryant, Tony Velasco, Dennis Whitfield, Tyrell Biggs and Eddy Gregg, are just a few; whether it was a boxing match or as a sparring partner to help them get ready for an upcoming boxing event. Boxing allowed Michael to travel worldwide; he was the Main Event at the *Diplomat Hotel Hollywood, *Madison Square Gardens NY, *Recife,Pernambuco Brazil, *Hamilton Bermuda, Atlantic CIty NJ, *Nassau Bahamas. as well as *Gateshead Tyne & Wear United KIngdom. Michael always said he "was going to put Hallandale on the map," and he did. In 1993 Michael married his longtime girlfriend, love of his life and soul mate Denise Brown. In 1995, Smokin Mike returned to Hallandale Beach to clear his head and regroup after the sudden death of his trainer and the loss of his manager. Michael kept in shape jogging, sparring, and hoping to one day re-enter the boxing ring, Three years later Smokin Mike began working at North Co Construction where he was injured on the job site, costing Micheal his career and mobility. Yet there is always a silver lining in the midst of it all. Michael learned his wife Denise was pregnant, and nine months later, Michael Leon Perkins, Jr. was born. Smokin Mike was a proud father and he loved his son. Hewould often take "Mikey" for rides on his rider until they got stuck on the tracks going to a wrestling match at the Now Mardi Gras Casino. Needless to say that was the last time Mikey was on that rider...... On July 21, 2013, Michael and Denise renewed their wedding vows and Smokin Mike rededicated his life to the Lord at Higher Vision Ministries, Hallandale Beach, FL., under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Anthony Sanders. Michael was a joy to be around, and he never let circumstances or situations get him down. Riding around town on his electric rider, speaking to everyone he came across, greeting them with a "what up, what up, what up.' and in reply...."Smokin MIke", "Champ", "Hey Mike". Smokin Mike was a PIllar in his community, A Role Model and Inspiration. A Hometown Hero and a True Champion Inside and Outside the Ring!! He leaves to cherish his precious memories: His loving and devoted Wife: Denise Perkins, Son: Michael L. Perkins Jr., Mother Mildred Childs; (6)Sisters Marletia Mitchell, Wanda Adams (Keith), Christa Childs, Theresa Lucas, Jaliyah Childs and Patricia Foster; (3)Brothers Irvin Rodgers(Brenda), Mark Foster, Julius Childs, Jr.; (2)Sister-in-laws: Barbara Brown, Jessica Brown; (2)Brother-in-laws: Dennis Brown (Jennifer), Frank Brown Jr; (2)Godmothers: Ethel Mosley and Eva Rivers; Godson: Javon Williams; (2)Godbrothers: Mchael McCloud and Cameron Anderson; and host of Aunts,Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Sorrowing Friends. Sleep on Smokin Mike, Take your Rest . We love you dearly, but God loves you best Please leave the family a note of condolence, light a candle of remembrance, or order a floral remembrance piece. Be comforted by these words: Matthew 5:4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

Michael Leon Perkins

January 9, 1960 - February 9, 2023