Donald McLennan Perry's Obituary
Donald McLennan Perry, age 87, of Gainesville, passed away Sunday, December 7, 2014 in North Florida Regional Medical Center. He was born on January 16, 1927 in Atlanta, Georgia to John Theodore and Adelaide McLennan Perry. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy in WWII, 1945-46, in the South Pacific as a Signalman on the USS Nereus, a Sub Tender. In 1977 Don became General Manager for Tenneco, J.I. Case Company in Tampa, where he met his wife Evelyn. They were soul mates and had 37 wonderful years together. Don was transferred to Weybridge, England as Director of Sales in Europe. In 1983-1986 he served in Huntsville, AL., then early retired, Don and Evelyn chose Gainesville, but he continued working! He and Evelyn operated several businesses, the last one as a Tax Preparer. He enjoyed gardening, playing tennis and sailing. Donald was a member of Kanapaha Presbyterian Church and served as deacon.
He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Draughon Perry; daughters, Donna Ann Fowlkes of Milton, FL and Claire Perry of Stockbridge, GA; grandchildren, Alessa Détente Fowlkes, Alex Scott Fowlkes, Jr. and Donald Perry Fowlkes and Victoria Ashley Wolf, Antonia Rose Wolf and great grandchild, Adelae Elizabeth Fowlkes. He was preceded in death by his son, Steven Owen Perry, his brother Ted Perry, and his sister Charlotte Dickerson.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 10:30 am, in Kanapaha Presbyterian Church, 6221 SW 75th Terrace, with Pastor Dawn Conti officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday, December 12, 2014, 5:30 to 7:00 pm, at WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUNERAL HOME WESTAREA, 823 NW 143rd Street. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Kanapaha Presbyterian Church, 6221 SW 75th Terrace, Gainesville, FL 32608.
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