Dr. Joel V. Perry

As a boy, he attended Oak Hill School before graduating from Morganton High School in 1947. He enjoyed reminiscing about his school days, participating in Boy Scouts, playing trombone in the marching band, driving a school bus and flying his Piper Cub in and out of his parents’ cornfield.

Joel came to Raleigh to study electrical engineering at North Carolina State. He left college briefly, deploying to Korea and piloting a USAF F-86F Sabre jet on missions in defense of freedom. Joel completed his studies with honors, earning a Masters of Science in Mathematics and a PhD. in Electrical Engineering.

On August 9, 1952, Joel married Shirley Gibson Mills in Portales, NM. They made Raleigh their permanent home for 44 years until Shirley’s passing in August 1996. Together they raised three children: Craig Ashton Perry (d. 1973), Eric Gleason Perry, and Madeline Paige Perry.

A successful and respected businessman, Joel began his professional career with Corning Glass Works before opening his own business, Perry Electronics—a designer/manufacturer of printed circuit boards—on October 1, 1967. During the growth and success of that business, Perry Data Systems was created to produce Perry-branded data terminals, printers, and other point-of-sale devices.

On December 12, 1998, Joel wed Sue Steele Aldridge, who treated him with tenderness and respect. In addition to Sue, Eric and Paige, Joel is survived by his grandchildren Caylin, Erica, Art and Luke; four great-grandchildren; his sisters Nanena Clontz and Rebecca Smith (Alex) of Morganton; his brother Randall Perry (Norma) of Morganton; and many nieces and nephews. Gerald and Alfred, Joel’s brothers, predeceased him.

Joel loved Ridge Road Baptist Church, and served graciously in many capacities—deacon, treasurer, and stewardship committee, among others. He was a member of the Seekers Sunday School class.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 31, at 2 PM at Ridge Road Baptist Church. A visitation will follow the service in the church sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Ridge Road Baptist Church, 2011 Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Arrangements under the care of Brown-Wynne Funeral Home 300 St. Mary's St., Raleigh, NC 27605

Condolences may be made at www.brownwynne.com