Archibald "AP" Perry Read

Archibald Perry Read “AP,” age 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 31, 2022. He was born in Wood, NC, on September 22, 1937, to Franklin A. Read, Sr. & Nannie Perry Read. He graduated from Gold Hill High School in 1955. He then attended North Carolina State University to pursue a chemical engineering degree. After holding multiple positions with various companies, he relocated to Charlotte, NC.

Perry met and married the love of his life, Carolyn, in 1965, and they enjoyed 59 years together. He embraced her two children as if they were his own, and together they welcomed two more children.

His primary focus was the Church, the Lord, and striving to be an example of Christianity.

He was a charter member of Saint John Presbyterian Church. He later moved to Newell Presbyterian Church, where he was elected Elder Emeritus. Perry was a Sunday school teacher, a member of the Choir, Elder and served on numerous committees. He and Carolyn were recipients of the 2020 Presbytery of Charlotte Legacy Award. Typically this award is presented to an individual for faithful service; the committee honored them by recognizing them as one. “Where one served, the other followed.”

To lead by example, he was a Boy Scout Leader for 25 years, receiving the Silver Beaver award. He was a member of Newell Masonic Lodge and a Past Master. Perry prided himself in looking after the neighborhood widows as a part of his walk in faith.

Perry was a published poet. Many of his family and friends were blessed with a personal poem about or for them. His love of the written word can be found on matchbooks, notepads, and napkins, as he would write when an idea came to him.

In addition to his parents, Perry was predeceased by his sister Rose West, grandson Brandon Vaughn and son-in-law Edward Trammell.

He is survived by his devoted wife Carolyn L Read, sons Reed Annas (Donna), Rodney Read (Nohemy), daughters Robbin Vaughn (Kenny Smith), Renda Trammell; grandchildren Carolann Villegas (Samantha), Nicholas Read, Genesis Read, and Samuel Read, great-grandchildren Alice Mae Read and Jack Allen Perry Read; brother Franklin A. Read Jr. (Rose), sister Nancy Mann (James), and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, January 4, from noon until 1:30 at McEwen Funeral Home – Sharon Memorial Chapel. Service is to be held at 2:00 pm, followed by the graveside at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Newell Presbyterian Church Archive Fund PO Box 68, Newell, NC 28126.

Until we meet again. –Paw Paw