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Perry Sparrow Obituary
He is survived by five siblings and their families; Marvin Ray Sparrow and Cyndy Ebert of Durham; Mary Anne and Frank Haskell of Washington and their children, Jonathan Wifong, Wendy Baker, Heather and Doug Swenson; Ruth Parish of Washington, NC and her daughter, Katharine Parish; Effie Sue Sparrow and Richard Lang and their children, Johnsie Ray and Julian Lang of Wilmington, NC and Bonner Sparrow of Durham, NC.
He was fortunate to have experience the love and friendship of many cousins, good friends, and his cat, Precious.
No formal services will be held but Perry's family and friends will gather at the home of Mary Anne and Frank Haskell, 135 Fairway Drive, Washington at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 30 to celebrate his life. The family asks that those who were fortunate enough to have experienced Perry's generousity of spirit and love read a book, write a poem, surf a wave, catch a fish, or listen to some music in his honor and memory.
Peace out, Homeboy!
Arrangements by Hillside Funeral Home, (252) 975-4500.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Perry Sparrow
6 Entries
Bob Binner
July 9, 2003
I remember the first time I met Perry. He was coming to live with us on Cleveland Ave...young kid, trouble at home, big brother, and the rest of us...brothers. Those were remarkable times. Perry was in the middle of it all, eyes wide open...sheepish at first, then tentative, resourceful, for sure a quick study...and could he write! I recall picking up a notebook, abandoned on the kitchen table, that contained his writing. It was his sci-fi work. I was knocked over by his grasp of content, detail, story development and his style. Does anyone have those writings, I wonder.
Years later a visit with Perry could be like a wild ride with top down, 90mph with no particular place to go, or the slow curve of self -admonishment trying to figure out how we got to wherever it was that we found ourselves. You always found him as a friend, loyal and forever kind…
For his mom and dad I have the greatest admiration for their having blessed this earth with a bunch of great kids…a number now diminished by one. Perry is in that vanguard group and one day we will all get caught up again. See ya’ Perryleon , Bob
michelle vincent
July 7, 2003
Some of us knew him as (The)Winkle; brother,John and I,always. He smiled and laughed a lot, (a realy fine Sparrow trait). The ladies loved him. We met when he was just a wee Winkle (in Charlotte)and kept up until the mid '80s.He came from Charlotte to Athens to just hang with us and do the Athens scene. I loved him and will dearly miss him. I'll cherish the tapes.... (Perry was always doing something for somebody, it seems.:)See ya in Heaven,Winkle!
Mary Anne Haskell
July 3, 2003
He was my baby brother but he often served as my grounding point. Any time I couldn't get my mind around an idea or situation, I could run it by Perry and he would listen, make a few remarks and then I would "see the light". I loved the fact that I could hear a song on the radio and call Perry with a short lyric from the song and he could tell me the name of the song, the writer, the performer(s) and the rest of the lyrics.
Perry's face comes to me often and I remind myself of the Jimmy Buffett phrase he would often quote: "Some of it's magic, some of it's tragic but I had a good life all the way." I like to think that wherever Perry is now that he has finally found the "answers to questions that bothered him so."
He came to Bath in 1996 in need of help, got some help from us and wound up providing much help to all of us. Perry got Daddy his paper each morning and started the coffee for Mama. They are both a little lost without him now.
My heart is breaking but I will continue on as best I can because Perry wanted that.
Marvin Sparrow
July 2, 2003
From the time we used to play horse on the living room floor, he was a great bro' who still knew how to write a letter, quote a song line, give a gift, and hug you tight. Thanks to all who remember him and cross this space. He struggled with a lot of troubles, and he found his spot of peace and joy. He loved every darn one of you, as I'm sure he told you.
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Jim Bailey
July 1, 2003
Perry was as loyal, honest and generous a friend as a person could have. I always admired his love for the common man and strong sense of justice. While even the most casual acquaintance knew his passions included a desire share the joy of music and a better appreciation of the ironic, it is possible there were some who never saw the way he could make a child laugh, or his many beautiful drawings. Of one thing, everyone who knew Perry was sure...his strong love and devotion for his family, and his pride in each of its individual members.
I will always be thankful for having been able to walk ahwile in Perry's company. Because I did, there's so much more I know to watch and listen for the rest of the way. Thanks Perrito.
Pete McFadden
June 30, 2003
Perry was a walking Ed Sullivan Show. With him there was always variety and quality and you always looked forward to tuning in to see what was next.
With Mom and Reverend Ray and those crazy Sparrow kids, the 'ol Perrito had a great supporing cast.
Perry will always be a shining star.
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