Edward Perry

Edward Franklin “Ed” Perry was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by family on July 10, 2022 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He will be remembered for his wit, kindness, and constant willingness to lend a helping hand. While his family is grieving his loss, they take comfort knowing he is at peace with his Heavenly Father.

Ed was born July 6,1935 in Dixon, Ill. to his father Frank Saltzman Perry and his mother Helen Davis Perry. He spent his childhood and early adulthood in Illinois, where he completed his bachelor’s degree in 1958 at Monmouth College in Monmouth, Ill. After graduation, he married his college sweetheart Ellen (Littler) Perry. Together, they welcomed three sons: Jeffrey of Kansas City, Mo.; Thomas of Longwood, Fla.; and John of Fairview, N.C.

Whether he was attending to a customer or helping a friend, Ed never met a problem he wasn’t willing to tackle. He spent much of his career as an industrial salesman and small business owner, especially enjoying his years as a handyman helping families with small home repairs.

A consummate creator and inventor, Ed loved working with his hands, building, and fixing things. In his retirement, he continued to use his gifts to help build many Habitat for Humanity homes throughout the Hickory, N.C. area and served as construction supervisor of the Habitat Home Store in the area. Ed also led the construction of two building projects at his church, Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, N.C.

Ed is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ellen, of Hickory, N.C.; his sons Jeff and John, his daughters-in-law, Laurie Chipman, Sharon Perry, and Jacqueline Perry; and six grandchildren, Emily O’Kane and her husband, Rory O’Kane; Alexander Perry and his wife, Elizabeth Perry; Samuel Perry, Christian Perry, Sean Perry, and Catherine Perry. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; brother, Robert; sister, Ruth; and son, Thomas.

His family wishes to thank his church family at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church, Pastor Mike Stone and his wife Laura, caregivers Gregg and Shawn, Dawn, Annie, Keysha and Barbara for their special help for the past few years. Also heartfelt thanks to the nurses, doctors and staff of Carolina Caring — especially Margarite.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be given to one of the following organizations which meant so much to Ed: Habitat for Humanity of Catawba Valley, Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church, or Carolina Caring.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, N.C. The family will begin receiving guests at 10 a.m. before the service at 11 a.m. with a light reception to follow. Please wear bright colors or stripes to honor Ed.

Please sign the online guestbook at www.caringcremations.net. The Perry family has entrusted arrangements to Caring Cremations Life Celebrations and Funerals at 828-855-3350.