Charlie Perry

Born in Bladen County, NC. Mr. Perry was the son of the late Hazel Hewitte Perry and Rozella Dowless Bryant and is preceded in death by his son, Aaron Charles Perry; and grandson Thomas Reid Perry.

In addition to his wife and life partner of 49 years, Karen Perry, Mr. Perry is survived by his son, Thomas Hewitte Perry (Paulette); daughter, Karen (Beth) Perry; grandchildren, Erica Morgan, Ryan Perry (Amy), Zac Anderson (Anna), and Lylia Kay Kelley (Rickey); and great-grandchildren, Finn Perry, Piper Perry, June Lewis, Sunny Kelley, Samson Bing, and Elsie Anderson.

Charlie’s legacy is rooted in his family and the many businesses he built and nurtured. He wasn’t just a husband, father, or grandfather—he was a protector, mentor, and unwavering source of encouragement. Charlie embodied strength, selflessness, and kindness, teaching those around him by example. His steady and unconditional love shaped his family and friends, while his wisdom and stories inspired others to dream bigger. His quiet strength gave courage to many, and though he loved Spider-Man and other heroes, Charlie showed that real heroism is about consistently showing up for the people you care about. His giving spirit lives on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Charlie’s connection to the area began in the 1950s when he visited with his parents and grandfather. After years in construction, he moved to the region in the mid-1970s and started running charter and fishing boats. In 1979, he purchased waterfront property and founded American Fish Company, Wholesale Seafood, a bustling operation that, at its peak, processed about 100,000 pounds of fish weekly. The work was relentless—starting before dawn and often continuing through the night—unloading bait, loading fish into trucks, and refueling and icing boats.

By the early 1980's, Charlie expanded into retail and hospitality. He opened Port Charlie’s retail seafood market, now Flava’s Ice Cream, as well as Port Charlie’s Seafood Restaurant and Marker One Lounge, which later became the location of Frying Pan Restaurant.

In the early 1990s, Charlie expanded into American Marine Construction, a natural step given his lifelong love for the water and experience building boats and docks with his father on Lake Norman and Lake Wylie in the 1960s. His company played a significant role in local marina construction, building docks, bulkheads, and other structures in Deep Pointe, South Harbor Marina, Indigo, St. James, and Myrtle Beach.

Charlie’s contributions to the community extended far beyond his businesses. In the early 1980s, when the City of Southport needed help with the NC 4th of July Fireworks, Charlie and his son Tommy volunteered. The fireworks were launched in front of American Fish, as Charlie had the resources to make it happen, saving the city the expense of hiring a tug and barge. Over the years, Charlie donated generously to Southport, including a periscope foundation for the maritime museum, as well as participating in the History and storytelling nights at the Museum and leaving a lasting impact on the community he loved.

In accordance with his wishes, no funeral services will be held at this time but a celebration of life will be held in the Spring of 2025.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com

Peacock - Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.