William Gerald Perdue, Sr., suddenly and totally surrendered his earthly life to be in Heaven with our Lord and Savior, Jesus, on March 14, 2024. He was born on March 28, 1938 in Martinsville, Virginia to Charles and Mildred Perdue, who, as well as his brother Charles, Jr., proceed him in passing.
Known as “Jerry” to everyone, he attended Martinsville City Schools, graduating from Martinsville High School on Cleveland Avenue and continuing his education in Drafting and Design at Richmond Professional Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University) in Richmond, Virginia.
Jerry was always happy to tell about his days as a paratrooper in the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team of the 101s Airborne Division of the United States Army. His motto was, “Here I am, Lord. Send me”. He served our country with great pride and honor. He was a life-member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. In 2017 he was honored as Veteran of the Year by the Veteran Service Organization of Martinsville and Henry County. In his later days, he faithfully served as Chaplain of the Martinsville/Henry County Veterans Honor Guard with respect and dignity.
His professional days began at “The American” Furniture Company as a beginning furniture designer under the “watchful eye” of his all-time favorite furniture designer and friend Merton Gershun. Over the years, he gained respect and high regard as a furniture designer. He retired as Vice-President of Contract Design at Stanley Furniture.
Jerry was a lifetime member of Martinsville First Baptist Church serving as a Deacon and on various other committees throughout the years. Most recently, he served on the Board of Trustees. He was a trusted, valuable member of the church and our community.
As his sons began to grow and develop athletic interest and ability throughout their middle and high school years, he was always ready to teach them the rules of each sport and coach them in developing their unique participation skills. They would wait for him on the driveway with their gloves and bats, and as soon as he came home from work, they were ready for a round of batting practice or “grounders or pop flys”. He was an exceptionally wonderful father to his boys.
Jerry is survived by his high school sweetheart and devoted wife of 65 years, Martha; his two sons Bill (Denise) Perdue and Clay (Heidi) Perdue; six grandchildren, Anna (Teddy) Holcomb, William Thomas Perdue, Isaiah Perdue, Greyson Perdue, Lindsay Roberson, and Molly Roberson; great grandchildren Logan Agee, Jett Holcomb, Dawson Perdue, Piper Holcomb, and Mateo Minter. There no words to describe how much we will miss him.
A visitation will be held from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at First Baptist Church of Martinsville. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm. Interment with full military honors will follow at Roselawn Burial Park.
In lieu of flowers and other donations, please send your heartfelt donation to the Martinsville/Henry County Veterans Honor Guard, PO Box 1002, Collinsville, VA 24078.
McKee-Stone Funeral Home is serving the family
