Donald Perry

Donald “Don” Perry, 77, passed away Friday, August 25, 2017. He was born May 17, 1940 Union County, son to the late John Jackson Ollie Chaney Perry. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at Wingate Baptist Church, 109 W. Elm St., Wingate NC 28174. The family will receive friends on Monday, August 28, 2017 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Gordon Funeral Service, 1904 Lancaster Ave. Monroe NC 28112. The family will have a private burial. Don grew up in Wingate, graduating from Wingate High School as Valedictorian and star athlete in baseball and basketball. He attended Wingate Junior College 1958-1960, serving as 1960 Class President. Don loved playing baseball at Wingate, transferring to Wake Forest University and playing there as well. Still the athlete and the scholar, Don was recruited by the Minor Leagues to play baseball. The scholar won out and Don chose to attend Wake Forest Law School and marry the love of his life, WFU colleague, Edith “Edie” Early. Don finished his undergraduate degree at Wake Forest in 1962 and Wake Forest Law School in 1964, completing his senior year of undergrad simultaneously with his first year of Law School. He enjoyed the honor of being sworn in by the Supreme Court and serving in the U.S. Air Force as Judge Advocate achieving the rank of Captain. Don loved his native home of Wingate, evidenced by his service as Attorney for the Town and for Union County, Wingate Lions Club, Wingate University Board of Visitors, Wingate Baptist Church Moderator, Deacon and Junior High School Sunday School Coordinator Teacher over the years. He also served as Chairman of the Union County Board of Realtors, Chairman of the Union County Republican Party and Chairman of the Union County Bar Association. As a father, Don’s daughters esteem him as an amazing, honest, upright man, ever extending unconditional love and forgiveness. They’re particularly grateful that he made sure of their salvations at an early age and greatly admire him for the way he has faithfully cared for their mother over the last 12 years since she suffered strokes. Don is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Edith Ann Early Perry, two daughters, Donica Perry Hudson, husband Todd of Banner Elk, and Desha Perry Weatherman of Charleston, a brother Eddie Perry, five grandchildren, Elijah Jacobs, Isaiah Jacobs, Davis Hudson, Salem Hudson, and Lucas Hudson. The family wishes to thank those who supported Don during this past week. Words are not adequate to convey our heartfelt gratitude at the acts of service, words of encouragement and powerful prayer that sustains us all. Gordon Funeral Service Crematory is caring for the Perry family. Online condolences may be made at www.gordonfuneralservice.com Memorials to the Don and Edie Perry Scholarship Fund can be made to Wingate University, Attn: Lee Ragsdale, Wingate University, Box 3071, Wingate, NC 28174.