Perry Elwood Easter

Perry Easter of Winston Salem, NC was called to be with the Lord on July 3rd, 2023, peacefully in the home and surrounded by family. Perry was born April 18th, 1935, in Carroll County Virginia to Jacob B., and Caroline Allen Ester. Perry was 88 years old. He graduated from Lambsburg High school in Virginia prior to enlisting in the Airforce. Perry Easter proudly served in the Air Force as Airman First Class and was honorable discharged April 30th, 1961. Perry would recount many amazing stories about his service, time overseas, and especially in Guam. He would share stories of driving high ranking members of the Air Force. He shared descriptions of his many adventurous flights into and out of the Guam airbase with other airmen on large aircraft. After his service in the Air Force Perry Easter returned home and married Ima Jean Willard. Together they built a home in Winston Salem where they happily raised 2 children. Perry and Jean Easter were married for over 65 years. They enjoyed trips to White Like, High Rock Lake, camping, life on water, water skiing, and many memorable family trips to Myrtle Beach for vacations. Perry was usually present with the latest camera technology to capture almost every moment. Perry worked at RJ Reynolds for 35 years and retired in 1989. After retirement he began working at Long Creek Golf Course. He enjoyed playing golf with his son, grandsons, son-in-law, and friends as well. He also coached several youth basketballs teams in his spare time. Perry loved to play gospel songs on his harmonica. He had a passion for gardening and his greatest joy of gardening was to share the fruits of his labor. He would often give away vegetables and fruits to family, friends, neighbors, and as an unexpected gift to a stranger or someone in need. Perry won many ribbons over the years at the Dixie Classic Fair with his award-winning large Watermelons, Pumpkins, and many other vegetables. He would also craft wooden walking canes, large cedar, and walnut benches. When greeted by Perry he would often offer a piece of candy or mint. He had a strong giving heart, and never met a stranger. Perry cared for and loved his family dearly. His children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were always a very important part of his life. He was always there with a helping hand, a kind word, some advice, some coaching, and a poignant bible verse from memory to guide the way. He was like a father figure in many ways to his grandkids, and great grandkids...all of which loved Perry dearly. Perry loved attending as many of his children’s, grandchildren, and great grandchildren’s sporting events as possible, and supporting all their interests. Perry was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob B., and Caroline Allen Easter; 6 sisters, Mabel Cox, Hazel Rippey, Savada Bedsaul, Thelma Long, Glenda Dalton, and Irene Clodfelter; 4 brothers, Elder Allen Easter, Elder Garnett Easter, Rev. Harris Easter, and Cameron Easter. He was the youngest of 11 children. Perry is survived by his wife Jean Easter of Winston Salem, NC, his daughter Tracey E. Sapp (Andy), son Tim Easter (Angie). Perry is also survived by his 4 grandchildren; Caitlin Easter Mabe (Jeff), Brandon Easter (McKenzie), Cameron Easter, Chandler Easter, and 2 great grandchildren; Kendall Mabe, and Logan Mabe. All of those he loved and touched deeply. Please join us celebrating his life Thursday morning July 6th, 2023, 11:00 AM with Pastor Jon White Officiating at Freedom Baptist Church 1000 Rural Hall-Gemanton Rd, Rural Hall, NC 27045. Interment will follow at Crestview Memorial Park in Rural Hall, NC. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Billy Graham’s Samaritan’s Purse International Relief Fund, and St. Jude’s Hospital. https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/history/ https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?frequency_selected=0&sc_icid=impactgiving-donate-bttn-top