David Perry

David Wood Perry, 70, of North River, died Saturday, May 8, 2010 at Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville from an aneurysm of the brain.

His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 12th at 4:00 pm at First Free Will Baptist of Beaufort with the Pastors Richard Patterson and Terry McInnis officiating. Family will receive friends at First Free Will Baptist Church of Beaufort 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Tuesday.

Mr. Perry never knew a stranger, and he called anyone he met a friend. He was a long time member of First Free Will Baptist Church. He was a compassionate and loving husband, father, brother, and friend. He took great joy in spending time with his family especially his seven grandchildren. He loved helping others by using his knowledge of mechanics to fix anything with a small engine. He had a passion for life which was evident in the fact that he survived three heart attacks. His family and friends would say his heart was just too big for a heart attack to take him. His passing is a great loss to his family and community, but we take comfort in the knowledge that he is at home with his Lord Jesus Christ.

He was born in North River to Eugene and Lena Perry on June 24, 1939. He graduated from Beaufort High School in 1959. After high school, he served four years in the US Coast Guard and then also served in the Army Reserves. He later spent 12 years as a Seaman with Gulf Coast Trailing Company of Louisiana and retiring in 1992.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Rosemary McKenzie Perry; one daughter, Jackie Jarrett of Morehead City; two sons, David Perry of Newport and Michael Perry of Morehead City; two step-daughters, Angela Scott and Tessie Willis both of Williston; seven grandchildren; three sisters, Martha Jones, Kay Golden, and Nancy Piner all of Beaufort; one aunt, Grace Willis of Ayden; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Lena Perry; six brothers, Leland, Donald Francis, Billy, Alfie, Jimmy and George; three sisters, Dorothy Taylor, Emma Willis and Gloria Jean Willis.

Flowers are welcome, or memorials may be made to First Free Will Baptist Church of Beaufort, 1947 Hwy 70 E, Beaufort, NC 28516 or to the American Heart Association, PO Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216.