Donald Perry Obituary
Born on March 13, 1940, in Columbia, South Carolina, Don was the son of the late Carl and Marion S. Perry. He attended Lake City High School and, after moving to Myrtle Beach, graduated during his senior year from Myrtle Beach High School. He cherished and maintained lifelong friendships with the Lake City Class of 1959 until his passing.
Don continued his education at Mars Hill University, where he proudly competed as a member of the university's track team. He later served his country as a lieutenant in the Army National Guard.
A respected and accomplished businessman, Don was President and Co-Owner of Lakewood Camping Resort in Myrtle Beach. His career in campground development and operations spanned the East Coast, where he helped start and manage multiple parks from Beaufort, South Carolina, to Orlando, Florida. He also served for many years on the board of Santee Cooper.
Among his many endeavors, Don served as President of the Beaufort Jaycees and as the 16th Commodore of the Beaufort Water Festival. Alongside his family, he helped establish and operate The Lighthouse Amusement Park-where he famously wrestled a few alligators. Don found great joy working the fields of his farm, a place where family and friends gathered often to share time, laughter, and hard work together. In earlier years, he also enjoyed piloting his airplanes, a passion he shared with his beloved wife. An avid outdoorsman, Don embraced life fully and enthusiastically.
Don was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Myrtle Beach. He and his late wife, Angela, shared a deep commitment to missions both locally and around the world. He was known for faithfully sharing insights from his daily devotions with family and friends, offering encouragement wherever he went.
He was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-nine years, Angela B. Perry, and his brother, Phillip E. Perry.
Don is survived by his sons, Donald Eric Perry II and Paul Carlton Perry Sr. and his wife Joy; his sisters, Barbara Perry Benton and Shannon Perry Gomer; and his grandchildren, Paul Carlton Perry Jr. and wife Devin, Donald Eric Perry III and wife Kayla, Brennan Perry Gerhart and husband Chris, and Christian Perry McCann and husband Pat. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren: Nathan Frederick Gerhart, William Alexander Gerhart, Weston James Gerhart, Lillian Lee Perry, Paul "PC" Carlton Perry III, Cooper Warren Perry, Maxwell James Perry, Brewer Benton Perry, Eleanor Jane McCann, Lacey Joy Perry, Mary Joy Gerhart, and Jack Conner McCann.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Friday, January 23, at McMillan-Small Funeral Home in Myrtle Beach.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Myrtle Beach. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Conway, South Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Partner 135 Ministries a t https://www.partner135.org/give
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald E. Perry Sr., please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Georgie Wilson
March 13, 2026
I knew Don in Beaufort SC and again when my daughter moved to Myrtle Beach. He gave us a tour of the campgrounds and reminded me he and my daughter, Angie, (her, 5 at the time) were in the Beaufort Memorial Hospital at the same time. I know he missed his wife terribly but was very happy with his family because he talked cheerfully about them. May his family be comforted with sweet memories. Georgie Wilson
Michelle Miller st jamed
January 28, 2026
I just spoke to Don not to long ago and he was going to come see me when he was coming to palm coast to visit family. Im so sorry to hear he is gone but I'm sure he is with my great friend and his wife Angela.
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Robyn Harrelson
January 22, 2026
We are going to miss those smiles and weekly phone calls from Mr. Don. He was one of the best. The world is less bright with him gone. Praying for the Perry family. Love, Shane, Robyn, Ashleigh, Avary, and Gabe
LeNell Rabon
January 22, 2026
So sorry to hear about Don, my thoughts and prayers are with you all in.
Wanda Deering
January 21, 2026
Don was an amazing gentleman and will be missed by all who knew him. He was a wonderful friend to the Lakewood Campground Ministry.
DIANE PERRY GARDNER
January 21, 2026
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Don. I just found out yesterday and I wanted to send my love and prayers to all of the family. Especially to Barbara and Shannon. Don and I have kept in touch through the years and I always looked forward to our conversations. He always left me smiling and with great memories of Papa. He was so loving and kind to my kids, he let them beat him in putt golf! One of their best memories is sitting in his plane! They thought that was so cool! Don always started every conversation the same way, Hello Beautiful,, Have I told you how much I love you? He was and will always a bright shining star in my life. He and Angela opened up their home to me when Papa was in the hospital. I love you Don Perry, I know you are enjoying this new journey you are on.
Donald hite
January 21, 2026
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Corry Vanderhyden
January 21, 2026
Condolences from Corry and Deanie their Canadian friends and colleagues
Hope all is well with you Donny and Paul
Mel Gritt
January 20, 2026
Mr. Don Perry has been a great spiritual mentor to me over the past 20+ years. I will never forget the prayers at the chemo center that he rendered to my wife and other patients. Don was a giver to others sharing his love for Jesus. He will be missed in my life and sitting with him in church. I ask our Lord to be with his family and friends during this grieving time and to comfort each and everyone.
Connie and Fred Kalmeyer
January 20, 2026
Don and Angela always greeted us each year when we traveled down from PA to camp on the Lakewood lot adjacent to he and Angela. Their friendliness was always overwhelming and they always made us feel like family. I remember going to the movies with them up at the Commons and then for pizza! Both he and Angela were both great people and we are saddened to hear that he has passed, but now he will be in Eternal Heaven with the love of his life, Angela
Mark & Tammy Turner
January 20, 2026
So sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Prayers for you and your family
Jim DeFeo
January 20, 2026
Thank you Don for giving so much back to the community over so many years.
Susan W. Mills
January 19, 2026
A wonderful man with a heart of gold perfectly describes Don. He will be greatly missed.
Debi Conner
January 19, 2026
I met Don when I worked at the Trading Post,he would come through the door with a loud,"Good Morning Lakewood." I was blessed with hearing some of his stories of when they started Lakewood. He will be missed,my prayers for all the family for healing.
Jon Anderson
January 19, 2026
Oh the wonderful memories I have! Rest well in eternal peace! My sincere prayers are with you Donnie and Paul!
Stan Smith
January 19, 2026
Don you were such a wonderful example to your friends and relatives. You showed so much love to everyone - you will be missed so very much.
Linda Coffey
January 19, 2026
I lived with the Perry family several summers while working in Myrtle Beach and what began as a place to stay became a second family. Donald always made me laugh and feel deeply loved. His kindness, guidance, and steady encouragement shaped me more than he probably knew. I will always be grateful for those years and for him. Rest well, dear friend.
Dr. Larry and Susan Correll
January 19, 2026
We only knew Don for 6 or 7 years, but in that time, we came to understand and appreciate his apparent Christian grace and his dignified integrity. A "man of God and of the people" Don was a giver, not a taker, and we knew that he had a vision for a lasting, generational campground and resort ministry. We were honored to have Don Perry cross our path. God bless and care for Don´s entire family.
Dr. Larry and Susan Correll
Stephen Ulery
January 19, 2026
I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Perry many years ago in Beaufort S. C. It grew into a friendship that I will always cherish. My prayers and thoughts go out to the family. God Bless
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