May 10, 1929 - July 15, 2010

Reverend Roy Lee Perry, 81, of Paris, Illinois passed away at 2:30 a.m. Thursday, July 15, 2010 at Twin Lakes Rehab & Health Care in Paris. He was a retired minister of the Hamilton Avenue Christian Church of St. Louis, Missouri, and subsequently pastored several other churches. He also worked after retirement for the Houston Post newspaper.

He was born May 10, 1929 in Paris, Illinois, the son of the late Charles William and Myrtle Irene (Bishop) Perry.

Survivors include four sisters, Mary Cash, Rosalie (Frank) Givens, Lorene (Bill) Fudge, and Cathy (Richard) Melendez all of Paris, Illinois; a brother-in-law, Charles Eveland of Paris, Illinois; a sister-in-law, Sherrill Perry of Paris, Illinois; twenty-five nieces and nephews; sixty-two great-nieces and great-nephews; and several great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. He was preceded in death by five brothers, Charles Howard Perry, Harry Leon Perry, Harley Perry, Rex Perry, and Raymond Perry; and a sister, Betty Irene Eveland.

Rev. Perry was a 1947 graduate of Paris High School. He earned his Bachelor's Degree from Eureka College, Eureka, Illinois, and his Master's in Divinity from Lexington Theological Seminary of Lexington, Kentucky. He was a devoted member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Paris where he served in many capacities including Deacon, Elder, Congregational Representative, Clerk, Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School volunteer, Newsletter crew, Camp and Youth Counselor, and was active in the Disciples Men's Fellowship group. He was also a past recipient of the church's Man of the Year Award. As a young man he participated in the Masonic DeMolay program. He was a loving friend and a first rate volunteer wherever and whenever he was needed. During his stay at Twin Lakes, he was proud to be honored with the Heroes in Long Term Care award.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to either First Christian Church of Paris or Faith in Action of Edgar County.

Services celebrating his life were conducted at 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 23, 2010 at Templeton Funeral Home in Paris. The Reverend Michael C. Dixon officiated and eulogies were shared by several family members and friends. Special music was provided by Rick Kennedy, soloist. Burial followed in Pleasant Hill Cemetery near Kansas, Illinois. Casket bearers were Dennis Eveland, Harley Fudge, Matt Haymaker, Kevin Kelleher, Allen, Ron, and Tracy Perry, and Colt Peterson. Honorary Casket Bearers were Mike Elam, Chuck Eveland, Bill Fudge, Frank and Mike Givens, Terry Scroggin, and Chris Vassilou. Visitation was from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 22, 2010, and one hour prior to services Friday at the funeral home.