Elmer L. Perry Jr.

Augusta, GA - Having lived a long and meaningful life, Elmer L. Perry Jr. passed into heaven on January 11, 2022. Born January 17, 1929, Augusta, Ga was his lifelong home. Mr. Perry was preceded in death by his parents Elmer Little Perry and Lucille Powell Perry. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Mary Nell Johnson Perry. Other family members include his daughter Cynthia Leigh Perry Parker (Victor Anthony Parker) of Raleigh, NC, his sons Mark Ashley Perry and Clayton Powell Perry both of Augusta. Grandsons include Dylan Wyatt Parker, Sean Harrison Parker, Adam Powell Perry, and a granddaughter Amber Marie Perry.
After completing high school at the Academy of Richmond County in the ROTC program, he went on to receive a B.S. degree in Architecture at the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1950. His career began as a draftsman with F. Arthur Hazard, A.I.A. He was then called into active duty by the Airforce in 1952-53 and served in Korea as a 1st Lt. Installations Engineer. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal, UN Service Medal, and National Defense Medal. Upon his return to Augusta, he worked with Scroggs and Ewing, A.I.A through 1961.
That same year he created his own firm Elmer L. Perry Jr., A.I.A, Architect. His office was on Walton Way where he practiced for 40 years before retiring. He enjoyed designing beautiful residential homes but spent most of his career on his many Medical College of Georgia projects and other medical design work both locally and regionally. Other recognizable projects included the Masonic Temple on Wrightsboro Rd and the Augusta College Newman Tennis Center. His most important project which he lovingly dedicated himself to over decades was the design and completion of the First Baptist Church of Augusta campus on Walton Way extension. Over his career he was recognized with numerous state, regional and national architectural design awards. He was a leader in his profession and served as President of both the Augusta Chapter and the Georgia chapter of the A.I.A. He served as a Director of the South Atlantic Regional A.I.A, and was a trusted NCARB National Exam Grader in Building Design and Site Planning for several years.
E. L. was a respected civic leader as well and served on so many community boards and clubs. Among others, he was a Chairman of the Historic Preservation Board of Review, a Trustee of Historic Augusta, Inc., a Director of the Kiwanis Club, YMCA, and the Georgia Institute of Technology, College of Architecture Association and the President's Scholarship Committee. He was a founding member and President of the Sand Hill Associates Investment Club. He also served as President of the Augusta Country Club, a Director of Augusta Federal Savings and Loan and Fulton Federal S&L. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Augusta.
E.L as all his friends called him was a friend to all and enjoyed a zest for life. He enjoyed sailing, boating, water skiing and taught his children and their friends to ski as well. Many days were spent on the lake over many years. He planned wonderful camping trips across the country for his family and loved to detour off the highway to catch a special nearby scenic site! He loved snow skiing and was an avid tennis player and later enjoyed golfing with his buddies. Most of all he will be remembered and cherished by all who knew and loved him for his wonderful sense of humor. He always loved to joke around and was a master at getting everyone to laugh. He will be missed by so many.
The family would like to thank Regency Hospice of Augusta, Visiting Angels and the VA home health staff for their tender care over the last few months.
A graveside service will be held Friday, January 14, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. at Westover Memorial Park with Dr. Rodger Murchison officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Augusta, 3500 Walton Way Ext., Augusta, GA 30904 or Multiple Sclerosis Society of Georgia, 950 East Paces Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326.
Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com