Jose Ramon Perez, 90, of Greensboro entered into his long-awaited eternal rest on Friday, September 18, 2020. Jose was born on March 19th, 1930 into a family of 14 children in the small village of Ypacarai, outside of Asuncion, Paraguay. He was the son of Venancio and Ramona Perez, and grew up in a large and loving family there in in Paraguay. When he was a young man, in his own words, the Lord found him and brought him to saving faith in Christ. He became the first evangelical Christian in his family. Over the many years, through his faithful witness, he saw much of his extended family come to faith in Christ, including siblings, with more than a few nephews who would later follow him into Gospel ministry. In his mid-twenties he met his beautiful wife Amy Snelling, an American medical nurse missionary, while they were both working at the Baptist Hospital in Asuncion. They fell in love and were married on September 27th, 1958 at the Villa Morra Baptist Church in Asuncion.
By the early 60s, after they had come to the U.S., the Lord called Jose into the Gospel ministry. In 1967, as a “tent-maker” minister, he established the first Spanish-speaking protestant church in Charlotte. He and Amy continued to faithfully and tirelessly serve their congregation and the Latin community for the next 35 years. Their marriage of 55 years was a life of tremendous joy, love, and service to one another, and their three sons and families. All who knew him saw the precious and exceptional love that Jose demonstrated in caring for his dear wife Amy, who for many of her last years could give nothing back to him except of the joy of her presence.
Above all things, Jose was not ashamed of the Gospel. He loved to speak of his Savior and preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. He loved Christ Jesus, and finished very well. He is survived by sons Jose R. Perez, Jr. (Jeannie) of Atlanta, John T. Perez (Jane) of Greensboro, and David A. Perez (Ana) of Lexington; Ten grandchildren, six of which are married. Matthew (Karlin) and Jennifer (Lucas), James (Carley), Josh (Jordan), Jonathan (Reba), and Jordan (engaged to Kenna Osenga), Rebekah (Joey), Phillip and Benjamin, and Elizabeth. Jose has 8 great-grandchildren and one on the way.
A service to celebrate his life will be at 11 a.m., Monday, September 21st at Hanes Lineberry N. Elm Chapel in Greensboro, followed by interment at 2:30 p.m. in Charlotte at Forest Lawn Cemetery, West. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. prior to the service. Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm St. Chapel has the honor of assisting the Perez family. Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.
