The Management and Support Staff of Nelson's Funeral Home announce the death of Mr. Johnny Perry, 62, of Winnsboro, South Carolina. 

Mr. Perry departed this earthly life of Tuesday morning, January 9, 2018, at his residence. 

Funeral services for Mr. Perry will be held Tuesday, January 16, 2018, 11:30 a.m. at Good Hope Baptist Church, 2906 Good Hope Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180.  Interment will follow in the Fort Jackson National Cemetery, Columbia, SC. 

Mr. Perry will be available for public viewing Monday, January 15, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

Johnny James Perry, Jr. was born in Ridgeway, SC on August 31, 1955.  He was the son of the late Johnny James Perry, Sr. and Eloise Brown Perry.  He departed this earthly life and entered eternal rest on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at his residence. 

Johnny was educated in the Fairfield County Public Schools and graduated from Winnsboro High School in 1973.  During his earlier years, he was affectionately known to family and friends as “Button” because of his big bright eyes. During his high school years to earn extra money, he drove a school bus.  His brothers, sisters and the neighborhood kids thought it was so cool to walk out of the back door or just across the street into a warm very clean bus.  As with everything, Johnny held this position with the utmost pride and responsibility.

Immediately after high school, Johnny joined the U.S. Army National Guard where he had honorable, distinguished and dedicated service for 25 years until his retirement in June 1998, ranked as SGT 1st Class.  During his service as a member of Co A 4/118th INF (M) in Winnsboro, SC, he received various awards and achievements, one which included a diploma for successfully completing the Bradley Fighting Vehicle New Equipment Transition Training from the United States Army Infantry School in Fort Stewart, GA, as well as, the Army Achievement Medal for acting platoon sergeant from the Department of the Army (Washington), Guardsman’s Retirement Medal from the State of South Carolina Military Department, Certificate of Services from the Departments of the Army and the Air Force National Guard Bureau and a Certificate of Appreciation from Commander in Chief William Clinton in recognition of his 25 years of service.

Johnny worked for Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Company for 40 years as a Maintenance Mechanic, retiring in 2017.  His co-workers spoke very highly of how organized he was and how he didn’t allow his many tools to be far from his sight or reach.  They commented that though he moved a little slower in more recent years, he still got the job done efficiently and professionally.  In keeping with the same knack for leadership, mentoring and training, he was always eager to share his knowledge with less experienced workers.

Over the years, Johnny loved fishing and hunting.  He was a sharp shooter and won awards in the local Annual Fall Turkey Shoot.  Though he was quiet, he always had a fascinating story for you when he did talk.  He loved guns and fireworks.  During the holidays, he would always come rushing home to shoot the rifle and/or some fireworks.  Once, he came home and lit a firework that he had been saving for some time.  It sounded like an explosive.  It was extremely loud and lit the night sky.  His siblings thought it was the best Fourth of July ever!  We think the family’s dog actually lost his hearing for several days.

Johnny was baptized at Good Hope Baptist Church at a very early age.  He attended Sunday school and church services along with his mother and siblings.  Johnny was kindhearted, soft-spoken and very loving.  He married his best friend, Pauline Lawson and he never seemed happier, as he instantly had the family of his own that he had longed for.   Soon there was an addition of step-grandkids who he developed a very special bond with; they lovingly called him “Dude.”  They were indeed the Joy of his life.

Among those left to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Pauline Lawson Perry of Winnsboro, SC; his stepchildren, Tori (Angelina) Boyd of Columbia, SC and Shaquinta (Terrance) Jasmin of Winnsboro, SC; his siblings, Vernice Perry Brown and Hazel Perry (Milton) Samuel of Ridgeway, SC, Gwendolyn Marie (David) Jackson of Chester, SC, Jacqueline Fadonia (Richard, Jr.) Heyward of Augusta, GA, Gayzell Perry (Marques) O’Neal of Blythewood, SC, Janet Denise (Winston) Muhammad of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Edward Lee (Lynn) Perry of Columbia, SC and Marcus Fabian (Latoya) Perry of Winnsboro, SC; step-grandchildren, Angel Quattlebaum of Columbia, SC, Ethan and Chance Jasmin of Winnsboro, SC; one sister-in-law, Mary (Joseph) Simpson; three brothers-in-law, Stevie (Emily) Lawson, Jerome (Gloria) Willingham and Freddie Lawson; a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends.

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