Community Mourns Loss of Dale Perkins Who Passed Away Sunday
The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority is mourning the loss of longtime Board Member Walter “Dale” Perkins, who passed away peacefully Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, at the age of 64.
Perkins served on the ECUA Board for 32 years, becoming one of the longest-serving and most familiar members in the Authority’s history. His decades of service represented an extraordinary commitment to ECUA and the communities it serves.
As a lasting tribute to Perkins’ decades of service, a commemorative plaque was unveiled along Pensacola Beach in 2026. Located near the entrance to Pensacola Beach in front of the ECUA water tanks, the plaque honors Perkins as ECUA’s longest-serving board member and recognizes his commitment to the community as a fisherman, environmentalist and advocate for ECUA customers. The plaque’s inscription reads: “In honor of Captain Dale Perkins: fisherman, environmentalist, fierce protector of the people’s purse, and longest-serving member of the ECUA Board from 1994 to 2026.”
Throughout his life, Perkins dedicated himself to serving others. He earned multiple advanced degrees and worked as a social worker, substance abuse counselor, and military and family life counselor. He also was a longtime fishing boat captain, affectionately known to generations of local residents as “Captain Dale.”
Perkins was known for his strength, generosity and quick wit, qualities that extended into his service on the ECUA Board. His 36 years of leadership spanned significant growth and change for the Authority and the communities it serves.
Perkins is survived by his daughters, Jade Perkins and Stacey Livingston; his mother, Marcia Perkins; and his siblings, Bill, Mike, Jeff, Melanie, Libby, Sandi and Patti, as well as many other family members and friends.
The ECUA Board and staff extend their deepest condolences to the Perkins family and honor Dale Perkins for his extraordinary 36 years of service to ECUA and the community.
~ ~ ~ From 2025 Dedcation Ceremony - - -
Dale Perkins dedicated his career to serving this community.
He was elected in 1994 as the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority Board representative for District Four, which includes Pensacola Beach. His term ends in November 2026. To honor his accomplishments and service, ECUA Board members, staff, family and friends gathered at the iconic Pensacola Beach water tanks, November 13 for a celebration and dedication ceremony.
A rendering of the commemorative marker was unveiled: “Captain Dale Perkins. Fisherman, environmentalist, fierce protector of the people’s purse, and longest serving member of the ECUA Board from 1994 to 2026.”
In his time on the Board, Perkins has championed large projects like the removal of the sewer plant from Downtown Pensacola to lesser known efforts such as the water fountains on the Pensacola Beach multi-use path. Perkins battled his staff on behalf of beach residents who were opposed to locating a water tank next to the elementary school. He supported and brought to fruition the Beach’s reuse water program, redundant water lines, recycling programs, as well as the utility’s infrastructure upgrades.
ECUA Executive Director Bruce Woody thanked Perkins for his leadership and said, “Dale prioritizes environmental responsibility, personal advocacy, and transparency.”
ECUA Board Chairman Lois Benson, who has served with Dale for 21 years, recapped his career as an educator, charter boat captain, environmentalist, and therapist and described him as “man of many gifts.”
“Dale has spent his career changing the lives of people on the fringes. He has been the voice of those on a fixed incomes. He has been a responsible steward of our infrastructure and guardian of the purse strings,” said Benson. “He has been a servant leader in the great tradition of American democracy. He has led with humor, humility and integrity.”
A permanent marker will be located at the beach’s water tanks in his honor.