Allen Harris Perry

Morehead City

Allen Harris Perry, 69, of Morehead City, passed away Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at his home.

His memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at First United Methodist Church in Morehead City, officiated by Rev. Powell Osteen.

Mr. Perry graduated from Saratoga Central High School with the class of 1967. He then continued his education at North Carolina Wesleyan College in Rocky Mount where he graduated in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in English literature. In 1972 he received his master's degree in rehabilitation counseling from East Carolina University in Greenville.

Mr. Perry worked for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in Raleigh as the In Service Training Coordinator from 1973 to 1997. He later went to the NC Department of Administration in Raleigh from 1997 to 2001 where he was the director for the Governor's Advocacy Council For Persons With Disabilities (GACPD). Mr. Perry led the GACPD central office staff in Raleigh along with four regional offices. GACPD is part of a nationwide civil rights protection system that provides advocacy services, information and legal representation to state citizens with mental and physical disabilities.

In 1996 Mr. Perry was the recipient of the James S. Massenburg Memorial Award from the Governor's Advocacy Council for Persons with Disabilities. He was also recognized with an invitation to the White House to celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act.

He is survived by his brother, John Edwin Perry, Jr. and wife, Nancy Swanson Perry, of Clinton; nieces, Elizabeth Perry Anderson and husband, Nathan, of Greensboro and Nancy Lauren Perry of Clinton; and great niece, Caitlin Elizabeth Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Edwin Perry, Sr. and Annie Elizabeth Perry.

The family will receive friends in the church atrium following the service.

Memorials can be sent to First United Methodist Memorial Fund at 900 Arendell St., Morehead City, NC 28557 or flowers are welcome.

Online condolences may be made at www.mundenfuneral home.net

Arrangements are by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory, Morehead City, NC.

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

Published by The News and Observer on Mar. 22, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Allen Perry

Sponsored by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory - Morehead City.

9 Entries

Larry Jones

April 14, 2019

It's hard to believe that over a year has passed since the death of our friend Allen.

I think of Allen often and miss his friendship, especially his wit and positive attitude.

I take comfort knowing that he lived a full life and always said "why not" instead of "why try" ? He was an inspiration to many in his professional and personal life and I'm grateful that we were good friends.

I hope you continue to RIP and I'll see you on the other side.

Jim Stephens

March 26, 2018

Allen and I worked together in training during the 70's for DVR. I will always remember him for his intellect, his quick wit, and his love and caring for people. He had many talents and used them well in serving others, and he never let his challenges get in the way of living life fully. He will be missed.

Bob Wheeler

March 24, 2018

Allen was a giant of a man and a role model to many who walked the path of hope. I will always remember his friendly hello to friends and strangers alike. Allen represents all that is good in this world and he will be missed.

He will live on as an example in the lifes of all those who he touched and knew. Allen's sunny personality would light up any room he entered. He was a joy to know. There just isn't enough room to list all that he ment to so many people in this life.

Godspeed my friend- thanks for being a part of all our lives.

Bob Wheeler

March 24, 2018

Alan was a giant of a man and a dear friend to many who walked the path of hope. He always was a spirit of light and joy, that lead others to find the same in themselves. I don't think, I ever knew him to not to reach out, just the same, with a warm friendly hello to friends or a stranger . He was a role model and a dear friend. Allen was daily reminder of what is good in this world. He will be missed dearly Godspeed my friend.

Joe Holt

March 22, 2018

Allen was a great guy, wonderful personality, super smart, very inspirational, had a gift of gab with funny stories, i.e. "locked the teacher's lounge door from outside while the teachers were inside at Saratoga High School which caused quite a commotion. When trying to find a key, of course, Allen was no where to be found. There are many more funny stories which he told during our working career with Vocational Rehabilitation. Allen Perry stories will continue to make us laugh.

Larry Jones

March 22, 2018

Allen was a great friend,son and family man. He was my boss and director of the GACPD, and a tireless advocate for persons with disabilities. He overcame many challenges in his life and never sought or tolerated pity or condolences for his physical disabilities. He was an inspiration for many, including those who are friends of Bill Wilson.
I was saddened to hear of his passing, both personally and professionally. He will be greatly missed by many. RIP my friend.

Ron Alford

March 22, 2018

Allen was a pioneer and advocate for persons with disabilities. He was one of the kindest and brightest person I've ever known. His insight and wisdom will be missed. Blessings to his family.
Ron Alford- fellow colleague and Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor- Raleigh, NC

Steve Decker

March 22, 2018

Allen was an inspiration and a great friend to me and many others and faithful servant for God . I am grateful for his life and friendship Rest in peace

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