During the early years of his life, he attended the public schools of Mitchell County. He continued his education and graduated from Albany Technical College.

Throughout his childhood, Perry was nurtured in the word of God. He later moved to Trenton, New Jersey and united with the Friendship Baptist Church where he served faithfully as an Usher.

While residing in Trenton, his professional career was marked by 27 years of employment with the Ingresol Rand Company (Trane). He was a dedicated employee who took pride in a "job well done." Perry was a loving father, unfailing brother, caring uncle, and loyal friend who embraced life with open arms. He had a big heart and a kind, generous spirit that will be deeply missed.

On Monday, July 28, 2017, he departed this earthly life at the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Hamilton, New Jersey. In addition to his father, he was predeceased by his stepfather, Albert Dewberry; and one stepbrother.

He leaves to cherish his memories one daughter, Eva Gilbert of Trenton, NJ; his mother, Betty Dewberry of Albany, GA; granddaughter, Ziona Whitfield of Trenton, NJ; his grandmother, Bessie Wimberly; one brother, David Chapman of Lithonia, GA; three sisters, Barbara, Lisa, and Vanessa; two stepbrothers and two stepsisters; one aunt, Mary Hurst; seven uncles, Daniel (Shirley) Hicks, Will Wimberly, Arthur Lee, Curtis, Leandra, and Ellis; a special cousin, Ira Fluellen; his companion, Dorothy Press; best friend, Henry Hayward; a special niece, Shona Wingfield and a great niece, Deja Wingfield; nephews and cousins; special friends, Lorain Thompson and Paul "Bullet"; a host of other relatives and friends; and his Trane family.