Sydney E. Perry Jr.
On Sunday, May 1, 2011 Sydney Edward Perry, Jr. put on immortality. He was born on November 24, 1939 to the late Sydney Edward Perry, Sr. and Beatrice Mae (Drew) Perry in Portsmouth, Virginia. Educated in the public school system in Portsmouth, VA, Sydney Jr. was a graduate of I.C. Norcom High School, home of the mighty “Greyhounds”. Sydney Jr. was formally educated at University of Maryland, College Park, Bachelor of Science [Criminal Justice/Political Science]; Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, Masters of Urban Studies [Criminal Justice/Social Research]; and Virginia Union University, Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology, Richmond, VA, Masters of Divinity.
Sydney Jr. retired from the US Air Force in 1978 after 20+ years of service in Law Enforcement. His tenure included Okinawa, The Republic of China, Vietnam, Alaska and other domestic assignments, including serving aboard Air Force One, Andrews Air Force Base. Upon military retirement, he accepted an opportunity in higher education as an Academic Advisor, Instructor, Social Researcher and President of African-American Faculty & Administrators, Old Dominion University (ODU) Norfolk, VA.
Spiritually, Sydney served as an Associate Pastor/Minister of Cary’s Baptist Church, Yorktown, VA functioning as Adult Sunday School Teacher, Director of Vacation Bible School, and fulfilling pastoral duties, which included, but not limited to Preacher, Worship Leader, Preacher, Conducting Communion, Baptism, Funeral and Wedding Official, (1986-2006).
Known as “Honey” lovingly to his wife, “Daddy,” to his daughters, “Daddy Sydney,” to his grandchildren, “Sydney Edward,” to his siblings and family, “Uncle Sydney,” to a host of nieces and nephews, and “Syd” or “Mr. Perry,” to many who adored him. He worshipped the Lord, wherein he touched the hearts of all who knew him and gave sacrificially to both family and friends. The Lord always first, his greatest joy and treasure was loving and nurturing his family richly. He enjoyed preaching the Word of God, in addition to reading, writing, mentoring, educating, music and traveling.
Sydney Edward Perry Jr. watches and awaits in eternity over his loved ones; his devoted and loving wife Novella R. Perry of 48 years; three daughters, Deborah Perry McCalla, Simone Perry-Brackens, Makeda Perry-Richardson; seven grandchildren, Meshai, Sydney, Jaquas, Micah, Clarissa, Blesyn and Faith; and two great grandsons, Zachariah and Baby Boy Olivares (due June 2011); one brother, Joseph; five sisters, Phyllis, Joyce, Erma, Norma Rae and Selma; father-in-law, Ernest Lee Richardson; mother-in-law, Thelma Richardson; step-mother-in-law, Arnie Richardson; and five in-laws, Velma, Lue Ella, Ernest Lee, Jr., Francis and Andrea. Sydney Jr. is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great nephews and many cousins and friends who knew him as their uncle, cousin and confidant, but saw him as their Father.
Sydney E. Perry, Jr. was blessed with a rich and happy life, filled with an abundance of love. He will always be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Old Point National Bank, Be Ye Transformed Ministries, Inc., ‘The Sydney E. Perry Jr. Scholarship Fund’.
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