Lawrence Frank Perry

Lawrence “Frank” Perry will forever be remembered for his love and commitment to his faith, family, friends, and football. His fun-loving personality brought joy and laughter to all around him.

Frank went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 28, 2024. He was born Dec 14, 1939, and born again in 1952 at a Billy Graham Crusade in Washington, D.C. He leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Juanita Perry; two daughters, Laura (and Jon) Humphreys, Rebecca (and Jason) Redmond; nine grandchildren: Lydia Humphreys, Joshua Humphreys, Marianna Humphreys, Esther Humphreys, Caleb Redmond, Hannah Redmond, Ruth Anne Redmond, Daniel Redmond, and Noah Redmond; as well as his brother Morris Perry, many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Ollie and Dorothy Perry, siblings Harvey “Buddy” Perry (1939), Marian Verna Perry (1956), Robert Perry (2009) and James “Jim” Perry (2010).

Frank grew up in Arlington, Virginia, where he made many lifelong friendships and was an active member of Clarendon Baptist Church. He graduated from Washington-Lee High School in 1958. After high school he spent four years serving in the United States Air Force, including a long stint in Germany and one year at the Pentagon. He married Juanita Ruth Rose on February 11, 1967, with whom he had a happy and fulfilling life for over 57 years. They lived in Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia for 6 years and Charlotte, NC for 12 years before moving to Raleigh, NC in 1984.

Frank was the quintessential family man. He cherished his wife and daughters and loved his sons-in-law as though they were his own sons. He considered his real success to be seeing his children and grandchildren serving the Lord. Frank never missed his daughters’ dance or piano recitals, track or cross-country meets, presentations or performances (even if they were during March Madness!). He desired to be equally as present at the important events of his grandchildren, either in person or watching online.

Frank worked as Director of Corporate Relocation for many years with North American Van Lines, and later with Atlas Van Lines. Frank was actively involved in his church, Providence Baptist, and served there as an usher and ordained deacon. He served in Bible Study Fellowship International for over 20 years, primarily in an administrative leadership role. He was well-known as a friendly, warm and loving man. He always had time to welcome people and make them feel comfortable. He was frequently seen at church and BSF laughing and enjoying others. His love for the church and the people there never wavered. Even in his later years when he was unable to attend in person, he live-streamed every service, taking notes at home, and kept up with his Sunday School class from a distance.

Frank was a faithful community servant as a chief judge at his precinct for over 25 years of elections, and a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Durham. He took each leadership role seriously and considered it an important responsibility to serve in civic work.

He loved animals, always bringing home strays and unwanted pets (that usually eventually won Juanita over). In one unique situation he almost brought home a goat! Frank was well-known as an avid fan of football, basketball and baseball, enjoying sports of all kinds and participating in many.

Frank’s sense of humor, quick wit, and loving-kindness toward others will be greatly missed. His trust in God sustained him through many difficulties and his expectation of heaven gave him great hope to the end.

Funeral services for Frank will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Providence Church in Raleigh. Entombment will immediately follow at Raleigh Memorial Park.

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