Philip Gene Perry

Philip Gene Perry of Harrisburg, NC, died Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the VA Hospital in Salisbury, surrounded by his loving family. He was 91. Born January 9, 1934 in Wayne County, WV, he is survived by his loving wife Shirley, with whom he was married 68 years; his children, Doris (with her husband, Al) of Southern Pines, NC.; Steve (with his wife, Susan) of Concord, N.C.; and Matthew (and his wife, Cindy) of Centennial, CO. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Amanda (and her husband Garrett), Philip (and his wife Alana), Hannah, Sam, Holly, David, and Daniel. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Madsen.

He is preceded in death by his grandson, Gray Griffin, along with his siblings: Ray Perry, Helen Jamison, Rose Arnold, Roy Perry, Joe Perry, and Kathryn McCloud.

Before his senior year in high school, he joined the United States Air Force and served from 1951-1955 as an airplane mechanic, being honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. After the service, he worked as a nuclear engineer until his retirement in 1996, most notably at McDonnell-Douglass; Babcock and Wilcox in Ohio and Virginia; and Florida Power Company in Crystal River, Florida. He demonstrated a great work ethic that provided well for his family. After retirement, Philip and Shirley moved to North Carolina to be near their grandchildren.

Philip was a member of Pitts Baptist Church in Concord, NC. He came to know Christ at 47 years old and demonstrated an evident change that only Christ can bring. He served as a deacon and usher and was a committed churchman until his passing.

He loved to fish, play golf, and work in his yard. He was a gifted mechanic and a DIYer on multiple projects around the home.

The memorial for Mr. Perry is at Pitts Baptist Church (140 Pitts School Rd NW, Concord, NC 28027) on Saturday, May 31, at 1:30 pm.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Perry family.