Name: Celebration of Life for Ernest Perry
Start: 2023-08-23T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-08-23T23:00:00.000Z
Location: Carmel Country Club

Ernest Perry
July 22, 2023
Charlotte, North Carolina - Ernest Perry, age 78, of Charlotte, passed away on July 22, 2023. Born in Wilmington, NC in 1944 to Betty "Reath" Perry and Jeremiah Coleman "JC" Perry, the third of their six children. Ernie, as his friends called him, left home to join the Army where he was a Sergeant before he was honorably discharged in 1968.
Ernie got his start in the jewelry business when he joined jewelry chain the Jewel Box, and later managed the SouthPark Mall location. He met his wife of 45 years Priscilla in 1976. They were married two years later in 1978. That same year, they established their own jewelry company, Perry's Jewelry Emporium. In the early years of the business, Ernie and Priscilla held fundraisers for charity organizations where people could donate their jewelry. Ernie and Priscilla would then liquidate the jewelry for the charity and split the proceeds. Soon after, they opened a gold buying office on Independence Boulevard, and later opened the retail store in SouthPark Mall in 1981. Ernie and Priscilla built an amazing business over the years that currently employs over 30 people. Daughters Hadley and Brittany joined the business alongside their parents in 2011 and 2017 respectively. They moved the store to its current location on Carnegie Boulevard in 2012 and rebranded to Perry's Diamonds & Estate Jewelry in 2018 as part of the business' 40th anniversary celebration.
A licensed auctioneer, Ernie was well known in the Charlotte community for donating his time and talent to non-profit organizations across the Carolinas for fundraising galas and events, including the Allegro Foundation, Second Harvest Foodbank of Metrolina, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Patriot Military Family Foundation, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and many more. His incredible generosity to the community and to those around him will be missed the most with his passing.
Ernie also enjoyed spending time with friends and family at their second home in Carolina Beach, NC, where he could often be found reading a book, taking a snooze on the beach or making breakfast for his grandchildren.
A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he leaves behind his wife of 45 years, Priscilla, daughters Hadley Perry Pacheco (Brian), and Brittany Holden, and grandchildren Banks Holden, Perry Jane Holden, Maxwell Pacheco, Ada Holden and Michael Pacheco. He also leaves behind daughters from a previous marriage, Ginger Crocker (Philip) and Candice Perry, and granddaughter Savannah Crocker (Jason Michael). He is also survived by his sister Betty Cunning, and brothers, Irvin Perry, Coleman Perry and Alan Perry. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Reba Shepard.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Ernie on August 23, 2023 at Carmel Country Club from 4pm-7pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charitable organization of their choosing in Ernie's memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Jul. 30, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Perry

20 Entries

Stephen Kunkel

April 14, 2025

Ernest perry

Russ Young

September 11, 2023

Ernie, Priscilla, Hadley and Brittany have been long term friends of my wife, Wanda and I. We were blessed to have met this family through our Son Tyler who became friends with Brittany while in Summer Camp at the Harris YMCA. We were fortunate to have spent several years with Ernie and Priscilla, participating in home bible study. Ernie was a Prince of a Gentlemen and was always a joy to be with. I will remember his keen intellect and the twinkle in his eyes. He loved his family, friends, employees and customers. He definitely had a zest for life and was a gifted Entrepreneur. His presence will be missed greatly. Our love and blessings to the family.

Katherine Bowman

Planted Trees

Eternal Friendship Remembrance Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

Katherine Bowman

Sent Flowers

Paula Gurz

Planted Trees

Charity League, Inc.

August 11, 2023

Members of the Charity League of Charlotte offer our heartfelt condolences to Ernie's family. He donated so many exquisite pieces of jewelry for our raffles and silent auctions over the decades, and he and his family graciously attended many of our events (as seen in attached photo). His kindness and generosity will never be forgotten.

Dale. Joncas

August 10, 2023

One of the finest gentleman I have ever had the privilege of being related to. Rest in peace dear one.

Melia Northcott Hunt

August 8, 2023

I was a tiny little girl when I met Ernie ! I had countless hours coloring on the floor at the jewelry stores with my parents. I was blessed to have had a lovely conversation a year or so ago with Ernie reminiscing about the early years and my mom and dad. He will be missed by many. Sending my condolences to the entire Perry family .

Frankie Knight

August 6, 2023

I have known Ernie and urban and Coleman and Alan since I was a little boy. I grew up right next door to their grandparents. Alan and I were the closest in age as well as friendship. But I knew them all is well as their parents and grandparents and I am truly truly sorry for your loss. Ernie made quite a footprint in this town. And I am honored to know all of you. May God comfort you during this time sorrow.

Stan and Debbie Purser

August 4, 2023

Dear Perry family and associates. Debbie and I are so sorry for your loss. We have dealt with Ernie and "family of employees" for many years. Ernie was in the Gold business but he has now received something far greater than Gold!

2 Timothy 4:7-8 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

We truly grieve with you but we grieve with the Hope that comes only through our resurrected Lord! Ernie knew that promise well! May the God of all creation sustain you and give you peace during your time of grief.
Love in Christ. Stan and Debbie

Alice Camara and family.

August 3, 2023

I was introduced to Ernie in 1982 by my African brother Christopher Coker a year after coming to Charlotte from Africa. This was my second time coming to the USA. Christopher spoke highly of the Little Church On The Lane where he was a member and I was searching for a home church.
On my first day at the church Chris introduced my family to pastor Webber and many members of the church including Ernie and his beautiful wife and daughters. Ernie´s eyes popped out of his head at the sight of me and even more so when he heard my voice. Well, Ernie had gone to Sierra Leone West Africa in search of gold and diamonds for his business and there he met my mother Mrs. Maria Maligi but he wasn´t making the connection at that time.
I was told all my life I looked and sounded like my mother. On the living room wall my mom had a large college graduation photo of me mailed from Philadelphia in 1977,the very first in the history of my family .
Every time we went to church and interacted with Ernie and his family , l will notice a look of deja vu that l couldn´t explain until Ernie and Priscilla invited us over for cake and tea in their beautiful home after church one Sunday. During that visit Ernie shared photos of his travels to Africa and there was a photo of my mother in front the family home. I yelled , "oh my God, you have a photo of my mother!" Ernie came quickly, saw the picture and asked , Mrs. Maligi is your mother? Yes l said. He turned to his beautiful wife and said, I`ve always felt like I´ve seen or heard that voice before. He told me how mom helped during his trip to Sierra Leone.
At that moment, Ernie put the seal of approval on what l heard all my life of being a spitting image of my mother. He truly had a photographic memory that will be valuable to family and friends in Heaven!
Our heartfelt condolences to Priscilla and the entire family.

Ginger and Brad Bowman

August 2, 2023

We have many happy memories of Ernie through the years. My parents Helen and Bill Mathias and I knew him, Priscilla and daughters Hadley and Brittany through our membership at the Moravian Church at Little Church on the Lane in the early years. Later my husband and I were at many fund raising events where his incredible talents as an auctioneer drew us into winning several bids. He was a wonderful man of God, talented businessman and much loved family man. He will be greatly missed.

Sharon Starnes

August 1, 2023

I am so very sorry for your loss. He was such a nice man and to do business with him was always a pleasure,honesty. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Sharon S.

Helen Gulledge

July 30, 2023

Ernie is remembered very fondly by myself and many other members of the Little Chirch on the Lane where he and his family worshiped and for many delightful years. Blessings and peace to the family with love, Helen Gulledge

Brant Hart

July 30, 2023

So sorry to hear about Ernie. I appreciate the advertising he did on 106.1 FM in Charlotte about 20 years ago. It was a pleasure meeting him when he came to the radio station. My deepest condolences go out to the Perry Family.

Judy Pressley

July 30, 2023

To all Ernest family members, I am so sorry for your loss. I met Ernest when I sold his Mom's house. It was a pleasure working with them both. God Bless You.

Jo and Bruce Owen

July 30, 2023

We send our Heartfelt Sympathy to my sister, Priscilla, ... to Hadley, Brittany, Ginger, Candace...
to All the Grandchildren and to Ernie´s entire Family.
Ernie was a deeply Spiritual man who knew every chapter and verse of the Bible. He was often affectionately called "Pastor Perry" when he was at "Little Church on the Lane", as he visited the sick and mourning. He was fully dedicated to that community, as were Priscilla and their girls.
Ernie was incredibly bright and creative! He was always thinking of new and different ways to do things. He was always reading books, especially American history. When he used to ride his motorcycle "trike" from Charlotte to their second home in Wilmington, Priscilla would drive behind him in their car, as he delighted in the thrill of it all!
Banks, Perry Jane, Max, Ada and Micheal have fond memories of their "Papa" cooking them pancakes on Saturday mornings. Ernie and Priscilla took long, vigorous walks together for exercise and sharing time. They both were delighted having their family and friends to their beach house for delicious meals and relaxation on the Carolina Beach. Ernie was incredibly generous to one and all with his Time, Talent and Treasure!
You are So Deeply Missed, Special Brother,
With Our Love Always and Forever, Jo & Bruce

Betty Duncan

July 29, 2023

I was an employee for Mr Perry's eBay Dept. for a short time. I was amazed at how kind and generous he was and a real rare "gentleman ". When lots of customers came in he would say "we need all hands on deck in his cheerful kind way".

His many smiles and kindnesses will never be forgotten. Im more than grateful to have worked there as he really did value each person he employed.

Heartfelt condolences & sympathy for those who knew him best at work & Priscilla and their entire family!

Im so sorry he passed away !

Sincerely
B. Duncan

Sherry Mason Brown

July 29, 2023

Words cannot express the love and gratitude I had for Ernie. He was a great friend and supporter of my late husband, Don and me. As our Sunday School teacher, he taught us the importance of tithing. When Don was called into ministry, Ernie paid our rent all 4 years of seminary at Moravian College...with no fanfare, recognition or plaque, but a true gift from the heart. That is who Ernie was, a light that shined so bright, people were drawn to him. And Priscilla, you were the perfect match. I pray for you, Hadley and Brittany, who I knew as little girls, that you will find comfort during this time of profound sorrow.
May peace be with you,
Sherry Mason Brown

Fritz Mercer

July 29, 2023

I met Ernie a number of years ago when he was jogging and I was walking. I stopped him and advised him that he was bald (like me) and needed a cap! From that time forward, we would talk every time we saw each other, I would ask about the auctions and he would grill me about what was going on in the Court system.
Before Covid, I had a number of guys that I met walking, over for a "mild libation ". We all talked about how we had wound up in our professions and although there were many interesting stories, Ernie was a spellbinder!
I got back in town last week and told my wife that I was going to have the guys over again and she told me that Ernie had passed away. I can´t begin to tell you how sorry I am. He was one of the most interesting and engaging men I have ever met.
My heartfelt condolences.
Fritz Mercer

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