Mr. Walter Fanton Perry

On February 5, 2013, after a life full of love and service to his family, his community, Union County and the State of North Carolina, Walt “Papa” Perry left his home on earth to live in the best possible real estate location with the Ultimate Landlord.

The youngest of five children, Walt was born on October 18, 1925, in Wingate to Jesse Jeremiah Perry and Jessie Watson Perry. Jesse Jeremiah was a merchant and farmer in Wingate, working long hours especially during depression years. Jessie Watson had the full time job of running the Perry household and steering her family at every opportunity to Wingate Baptist Church. At an early age Walt learned the value of hard work, integrity and especially, his faith.

Walt attended Wingate High School where he graduated as Class President, then attended and studied engineering at what was then known as State College, later to be named NC State University. When a sophomore at State, his country called him to serve in World War II. Walt served in the US Navy as Quartermaster on LST 338 and 345, operating in the South Pacific prior to VJ Day in 1945.

But before going off to war and while on leave in Washington, DC, Walt met a beautiful Navy Wave from Indianapolis, Indiana. It was a Sunday afternoon at the USO across from Union Station. Frances Dipple was to become his wife of sixty-six years.

After the war, Walt and Frances returned to Wingate where Walt eventually began a 29 year career with Dickerson Incorporated of Monroe who was commercial contractors. He began as a draftsman in the estimating department, working his way up the corporate ladder to the position of Vice President in charge of the Building Division.

While at Dickerson, Walt also became a licensed Real Estate Broker for their commercial real estate holdings, and after retiring from Dickerson, Walt started Walt Perry Realty off his kitchen table in 1985.

During his life, Walt served his community, his state, his professions and his church in numerous ways…Charter Member of the Wingate Lions Club, Wingate School Board, Wingate University Trustee, NC Building Code Council, Union County Commissioner and Chairman, Meadow Branch Lodge Master, Wingate Town Council member. He was a regular Wingate Baptist Church Deacon and served on numerous committees. Walt was a loved and respected leader, mentor, father figure and friend to many.

Survivors include his wife, Frances; Son-James Irvin Perry Son-Jesse G. Perry and Wife, Sandra Daughter-Jane Perry Ross and Husband, Kim Daughter-Karen Perry Sessions and Husband, Gary Ten Grandchildren Nine Great-Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews who all loved “Uncle Walt.”

Visitation will be Saturday February 9, 2013 from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM in the Wingate Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Funeral services will begin at 3:00 PM in the main sanctuary of Wingate Baptist, with interment to follow at Wingate Cemetery.

The Perry Family expresses their sincere appreciation to Dr. John Vick and the Union Family Practice staff; Dr. John Cattie, Mrs Cattie and staff; Dr. Ed Bower; Dr. Richard Sowden and staff; Dr. Martin Kreshon, Jr.; Dr. Gregory Brouse and The Levine Cancer Institute staff; the Jesse Helms Nursing Center, Carolinas Palliative Care and Hospice of Union County.

Memorials may be made to Wingate Baptist Church, Post office Box 339, Wingate, NC 28174.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcewenmonroechapel.com

McEwen Funeral and Cremation Service of Monroe is serving the family of Mr. Perry.