George Perry

George Perry, Jr. was born on May 7,1932 in Enfield, North Carolina. George was the eldest son of the late George Robert Perry and late Bertha M. Knight. He quietly departed this life on March 16th, 2009.After a lengthy illness, he fell quietly into eternal peace and rest.He received his education in Baltimore City Public Schools and graduated from Dunbar High in 1952. George enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1952 serving in the U.S. and Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1956 receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Air Force Occupation Medal (Germany).After his military service he did various jobs until he entered the Baltimore City Fire Department in 1959. He received many awards including the Exemplary Performance Award, Distinguished Unit Citation, City of Baltimore Presidential Citation, and Firefighter of the Year in 1978for rescue of a 3-year-old child from a burning building. He worked his way up to “Captain” but often was utilized as “Acting Battalion Chef” before his retirement in 1992 with 32 years of service. He finished his career at Fire Station 15 (Truck #18, Engine #20 and Medic #8) on North Avenue; a true dedicated Fire Officer far beyond the call of duty.He married the former Elva Lee Carline, and out of this union came one child, Marcia Perry Smith. George joined the Christian Life Church after his retirement and enjoyed going to service until his entrance into the nursing home.George enjoyed doing handy work around his house and helping others with household projects. If it was in a book he could complete any project. He gained great pride from completing the sliding on his house and finishing the club basement. In addition, he loved to bake cakes.He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Elva Perry; four children, Marcia Perry Smith, Samuel Stephenson, Diana Stephenson, and Dottie Stephenson; five grandchildren, Giles Smith, Natalie, Stephanie, Monica Neasey, and Marcus Neasey; one thoughtful and loving sister, Harriett Perry Whitt; one brother, Lloyd Perry; niece, Kyla Whitt; nephew, Kyle Whitt; one son-in-law, Harold Smith Jr.; one daughter-in-law, Sandra Stephenson; two sisters-in-law, Helen Lee and Ocie Henry of Louisiana; one brother-in-law, Herman Carline of Louisiana; one godchild, Latrese Kimball; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends.

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George Perry

May 7, 1932 - March 16, 2009