Mr. Emmett Lewis Perry, Sr., age 98 of Newport News, Virginia transitioned peacefully on Friday July 26, 2024. He was preceded in death by his wife Sarah Perry, parents Joseph and Fannie Perry, daughters Brenda “Bermadine” Perry, Beatrice “Red” Perry, and eleven siblings.
He is survived by sons Christopher Perry (Evelyn Perry), Monty Perry, Johnathan Perry, Emmett Lewis Perry Jr. and daughters Frances Usher, Sandra Bryant, and Carolyn Moore. A host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren also survive him.

He was known as “Captain” and “Slim.”  He attended Huntington High School. He was a veteran who served in the US Navy during World War II.   He worked as a pipefitter for the City of Newport News Waterworks until his retirement. He attended Disciple Church of the Lord Jesus Christ in Norfolk, VA.

He was a kind-hearted person and shared a great love for his family and friends. He was not a man of many words unless he was talking about his family, job and many stories of his time serving in the military. He was satisfied with the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed gardening, listening to music, rode trips and watching local news. He was known to keep a $2 bill in his wallet because he would say you would never be broke.

Some of his most memorable phrases were:

“Early to bed, early to rise, that’s what makes you healthy, wealthy and wise.”

“Travel too fast you won’t.”

“The early bird catches the worm.”   

“Keep a dollar in your pocket cuse your dollar is your best friend.” 

It is the desire of the Perry family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Mr. Emmett Lewis Perry Sr., has entrusted his final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.