Perry was joined in holy matrimony to Rita Ann Shepherd on July 17, 1982 until his departure. They had six children. Perry accepted Christ at an early age and was a life-long member of First Baptist Church in Monticello, where he attend faithfully until the failure of his health. He served as the senor choir vice-president and substitute van driver for the church. He was an outstanding bass singer and his favorite song was "Silent Night".
He graduated from Drew High School in 1959. He had a great work ethic and was employed on several jobs throughout the course of his life. He retired from the City of Monticello. He was well known by almost everyone. To him, no one was a stranger. He had a great sense of humor and received pleasure making others laugh. He became a friend to everyone he met. Perry enjoyed spending time with his family, eating good food, fishing, reading and singing.
Perry was preceded in death by his father and mother and one brother Richard Avery. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 34 years, Rita Powell; four daughters, Marilyn (David) Simpson of Taylor, Michigan, Sherry Shepherd, Debra Shepherd, and Jolene Miller all of Monticello; two sons, Jerry (Linda) Shepherd of Monticello and Fredrick (Kenya) Shepherd of Tyler, Texas; one brother, William (Shelia) Powell of Monticello; two nieces, Deidre Powell of Little Rock and Dawn (Adrian) Hinton of Monticello; three nephews Terry Avery, Jerry Avery and Anthony Avery all of Monticello; ten grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, a special long-time friend, Hoarce Junior of Lacey and a host of relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 19, 2016 at Stephenson-Dearman Chapel with burial to follow in Oakland Cemetery. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(5)
Edward E. & Marcia Suber
Monticello, AR Monday, September 19, 2016 To the family: Let us remember, For the kingdom of God is but righteousness, peace, and joy. For he that in these things serve Christ is acceptable to God. May God continue to give you comfort and peace.Toasha Smith Davis
Taylor, MI Monday, September 19, 2016 I would like to send my most sincerest condolences to the entire family. May God comfort the family during this difficult time.Muriel Ngambo
Taylor, MI Sunday, September 18, 2016 The church has become our family, so everyone who is hurt we are hurt with them, everyone who is happy we are happy with them. I come to let you know I pray that God comfort you and your family. My sincere condolences to you and your family. I love you and let God shine through you all.james payne
Dermott, AR Saturday, September 17, 2016 my prayer are with the family. I work with him and his brother willam at Arvin for yearsBarbara Benton
Warren, AR Friday, September 16, 2016 Mr. Perry had a very pleasant smile and was always very pleasant to talk to whenever I ran into him. I worked with him many years ago at Arvin. May God bless you all during this time.