George O. Perry Jr.

George O. Perry Jr.

October 19, 1944 – 2026

"The greatest legacy a man can leave is not found in what he built, but in the love he gave and the lives he protected."

George O. Perry Jr., age 81, of Catlettsburg, Kentucky, passed peacefully away surrounded by the love of his family on Feb. 13,2026.

George was born in the fall of 1944, on October 19th. He was the blessing of the late George O. Perry Sr and Ethel Lee Mastin Perry. This couple taught their children the importance of taking care of a family. It was a lesson he held onto and placed a great value in. George cherished his role as husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He worked hard at Norfolk Southern Railway as a Railway Clerk to provide for his family, until his retirement in 2005. George made sure those around him never questioned whether they were loved. A true hopeless romantic, he spent his life making sure his wife always knew how special she was right up until the end.

George was a United States Army Veteran and served his country proudly as Armament Mechanic and decorated Sharpshooter earning a good conduct ribbon. George was a dedicated member of the Big Sandy Volunteer Fire Department and acted as Chief for over 20 years. This was a chapter of his life he held in high regard. George formed lifelong friendships while protecting the community he loved so dearly.

George loved the outdoors and passed on unmeasurable wisdom to family and friends on the property he hunted, fished, and maintained for decades.

George had an unwavering faith, serving as member, deacon, and Sunday school teacher at Burnaugh Baptist Church. It was at the church he felt most at peace and closest to God. The congregation was his family, its members his brothers and sisters. His family finds comfort knowing he has received his Heavenly reward and is rejoicing with angels.

Although George's passing leaves a void in the countless lives of those he touched, His legacy will live on though the memories and love he left behind.

Left behind to share his memory is his devoted wife of 56 years, Cathy "Sue" Perry, their beloved children Diana Allen and husband Gene of Catlettsburg, Kentucky, and Rick Perry and wife Angie, also of Catlettsburg, KY, four precious grandchildren Brock (Ariel) Allen, Nathan (Taylor) Perry, Colton (Emma) Allen, and Hannah Perry (Fiancé Wyatt Schlaeppi), and two great-grandchildren, Conrad Allen, and Elliot Allen. Also surviving is his brother Dennis Perry and wife Carolyn, of Thomson, GA, one brother-in-law Dave Coverdale of Mt. Sterling, OH, extended family members, and more special friends than one can count.

In addition to his late parents, George is enjoying a Heavenly reunion with brothers Roy and Earnest Perry, and his sisters Jenny Gill, Betty Frum, Eloise Estepp, and Carol Suzie Coverdale.

A service for George O. Perry Jr. will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, beginning promptly at 2:00pm at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery Northeast, located at 100 Veterans Memorial Drive, Grayson, KY, where the active-duty Military and Post 93 of Kenova will render honors, and Pastor Pete Miller will offer words of comfort. There will be a celebration of George's life held after the Veterans service beginning at 4:00pm at Burnaugh Baptist Church with Pete Miller officiating, following there will be a time of fellowship until 6:00pm, all are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Gideons International of Ashland.

Online condolences may be sent to the family from our website at kilgorecollierfuneralhome.com or on Facebook at Neal-Kilgore & Collier Funeral Home.

Neal-Kilgore & Collier is honored to be serving the family of George O. Perry Jr.
Neal Funeral Home