Frederick Charles Perry III

A rosary will be held at Dunbar Funeral Home on Devine Street in Columbia on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 5:30 pm. The visitation will follow from 6:00-7:00 pm, also at Dunbar Funeral Home. The funeral Mass will be Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at St. Joseph Church at 3600 Devine Street in Columbia at 11:00 am.

A native of Columbia, SC, Fred was born August 15, 1947, to Frederick C. Perry, Jr., and Tillie Rhoad Perry. He attended Dreher High School and was graduated from the University of South Carolina. He served in the Army National Guard. He owned and operated Fred Perry Carpets before rediscovering his passion for teaching French. Fred was kind, funny, and generous with both his time and his heart. Fred was known by a generation of Cardinal Newman students as Monsieur Perry. He was proud of the achievements of his loved ones and his students.

Fred served as a Minister of the Eucharist at Saint Joseph Church for over 35 years. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, the Cardinal Newman Football Chain Gang, the Alliance Francaise of Columbia, SC, the Dreher High School Class of ‘65 Reunion Committee, and the Sensational Epics. Fred enjoyed introducing the beauty and history of France to his students through travel, playing sports with his grandson Oliver, playing army men with his grandson Rutledge, and spending time with those he loved while sharing their favorite activities. He enjoyed supporting his students at their athletic events, musicals, and plays; acting in French plays with the Alliance Francaise; and playing in the church softball league.

Fred gave freely of himself in everything he did. He believed the best of everyone he met, and had a special way of delighting in their individuality. He loved language, his Volkswagen bus, his time at Edisto Beach with his family, and his kitties.

In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his sister Diane Perry Webster and his infant brother, John Perry. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 51 years Jane Ryckeley Perry, daughter Lisa Perry Hill (Danny Hill), daughter Dr. Amy Perry Price (Derrick Price), grandsons Oliver and Rutledge Price, and sister Donna Perry Light (Lawrence F. Light). Special thanks to South Carolina Oncology Associates, who provided such excellent care during the last year of his life.

Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Joseph Church, Cardinal Newman School, Kalmia Gardens of Coker University, or Carolina Wildlife Center.