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Neil Perry Obituary

Neil J. Perry

Retired Sheriff of St. Johns County and St. Augustine native, Neil Joseph Perry, age 67, passed away peacefully Wednesday afternoon at his home surrounded by his family. His strength and character was evident during his long and courageous battle with cancer. He will long be remembered as a compassionate and loving husband, father, grandfather and valued friend. Having dedicated his life to improving his community and his country for over 40 years, his patriotism was always evident, and lead to his role as a trusted civic leader. Along with serving his community, Perry also served his state and country for 39-years as a member of the Florida Army National Guard.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Thursday at Memorial Presbyterian Church 36 Sevilla St. Augustine, FL The family will receive friends at Craig Funeral Home 1475 Old Dixie Highway St. Augustine, FL Wednesday 3:00 - 8:00 PM Burial will be in Craig Memorial Park with honors by the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office, Florida Army National Guard and Masonic Lodge F&AM #98.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, Paul G. & Ione Masters Perry, and brother Paul G. Perry Jr. He is survived by his wife Sydney Brown Perry, son Keith Perry (Tammy) and their children Missy and Zachary; daughters Michele Perry (Doug Brace) and their son, Justin; Missy Perry May (Art) and their daughters Tiffany, Taylor and TayMay; BJ Hardy; and two great grandchildren; brother Noel Perry (Cindy), sister Dr. Ione Perry, sister-in-law Mary Perry, and many beloved nieces and nephews. As well as daughter Angela Perry.

Craig Funeral Home Crematory Memorial Park www.craigfuneralhome.com is in charge of the arrangements.

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

Published by Tallahassee Democrat on Jun. 27, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Neil Perry

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May 17, 2013

S and family. Moved back to the oldest city a few months ago. Was not aware of Neils passing. When I think of law enforcement..I think of Neil. He was everything an officer should be.Shirley Jordan

Philip McRae

May 15, 2013

Sorry to learn of Neal's passing. Was a classmate of his at St. Aug. HS. He was one of seven from our class who served in law enforcement. God Rest His Soul.

Kacy Kemerer

July 4, 2012

Aunt Sydney and family,
We pray for your healing, with the passage of time. We send understanding and consolation.
May your pleasant memories sustain and comfort you through this time of greif. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Nancy Griffih

July 3, 2012

I just learn abt is passing from my cousin Ray Johnson Want to say thank him for his wonderful service He had done for his St.Johns county

RIP Neil we will see u again when our time comes

Judy Burnett Albright

June 28, 2012

When I think of Neil, I think of the Parable of the Faithful Servant: Matthew 25:23, "Well done, good and faithful servant!" I have so many stories from the 80s that I would love to share with Syd that have created memories both for me but also for my children. The community has lost a dear man and faithful servant. I sent my prayers and sympathy to Syd and all the Perry family.

Sylvia Mickler-Stone

June 28, 2012

Neil will be remembered always as an outstanding professional who loved his community and respected his staff and employees at all times! He was a very special friend of my familiy and was highly regarded by my late Father, Kenneth Baily Sr...Judge & Town Manager for more than 25yrs in St.Johns County.. They will be shaking hands with Smiles of Past Memories.
May God Bless You, His Family, and give you Peace of Heart!
Respectfully, Sylvia Bailey-Mickler

Peaches & Jeanette Lawson

June 28, 2012

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Shirley Jordan

June 28, 2012

Neil was to be greatly admired. Having lost my own husband three years ago, my heart goes out to Sid..
Shirley Jordan

Phillip and Tammi Milliken

June 28, 2012

We send our love,respect and deepest sympathy to Neil's entire family. His loss has left a deep hole in our hearts and a true loss to all who knew him. May the Lord bring you all peace and comfort. With love and frienship.

June 27, 2012

I am sorry to hear about your loss. During this time of great sadness, I hope that the family find comfort from James 4:8. It says, "Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you." Along with family and friends, may you'll also look to God for comfort.

Tom Simpson

June 27, 2012

Neil Perry,a good man, good law enforcement officer, and a darn good friend. Syd, I know you have a heavy heart but remember, when you want to see him all you have to do is but close your eyes. Charlene and my prayers for peace and comfort go out to you and your family.

Jared and Priscilla Hull

June 27, 2012

To the Perry Family,
Our deepest sympathy thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.

Buddy&Cheryl Wilford

June 27, 2012

Syd and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Neil was a great man and we will miss him dearly. Love to you all. We are praying for you.

Linda Pellini

June 27, 2012

I was very saddened to hear of Sheriff Perry's passing. my sympathy to the Perry family and the entire SJSO to which I was sworn by Sheriff Perry years ago.Rest In Peace

June 27, 2012

Sidney, I am so sorry to hear of Neil's passing. Rest in the Savior's arms and know that Neil is at peace with his Heavenly Father. God Bless you!
Pauline Yeomans

Brigitte L Bostic

June 27, 2012

Neil Perry was one of the finest men that I have Ever known!. He was a man of Honesty,Integrity, and Justice. My deepest sympathy to his Family,and to The Law Enforcement community.

Carhy Windham

June 27, 2012

Mr Perry you were a respected
law enforcement officer. Your service to St John's County was appreciated.
To my friend , Noel Perry, I'm
so sad to know you are hurting. God bless you!
Cathy Windham
(Memirial Hospital)

Lydia Marr

June 27, 2012

May the Lord God, Jesus, and the Holy spirit be your comforter in this time of sorrow.

In deepest sympathy,
Lydia and Steven Marr (Harvard Road)

June 26, 2012

I am sorry to hear about your loss. During this time of great sadness, I hope that the family find comfort from James 4:8. It says, "Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you." Along with family and friends, may you'll also look to God for comfort.

Bruce and Janet Taylor

June 26, 2012

Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. We always thought alot of Neil. He was always there for us. He never missed saying hello and how are the boys and hows the family.
We will miss him dearly. May God bless and keep you all safe and close.
With all our love Bruce and Janet Taylor

Ron and Nancy Carman

June 26, 2012

Rest in peace dear friend, you will never be forgotten.

Marilynn & Roy Battell

June 26, 2012

Warm Summer Sun

Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night.

By Mark Twain (Samuel Langhorne Clemens)
The Poetry Foundation

Charles &Evelyn Fulkerson

June 26, 2012

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Albert Owen

June 26, 2012

Saddened today to hear the passing of Sheriff Perry. I respected him immensely, even after I moved from the area in 2007. I will certainly miss him and his kind words he always said to me whenever I spoke to him.

Richard Bowers

June 26, 2012

Sheriff Perry was a fine man and an outstanding public servant. He was always accessible and always responsive.He ran an enlightened and outstanding Sheriff's Office. He enjoyed a much to short retirement, that he certainly had earned by his outstanding work. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. We never really lose the ones we love, they are always with us and in our hearts.

Bob Linde

June 26, 2012

Thank You for your Above, and beyond service, and most of all just thanks for being a friend in need, and deed.

Bob

Doris anderson

June 26, 2012

God bless the Perry family

Terry Pittman

June 26, 2012

We are saddened by the death of Sheriff Perry, my brother served under him with the St. Johns County Sheriff Office until his sudden death. Your family are in our prayers.

Jackie Allen

June 25, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Perry family.

Wendy Bowden-Wendler

June 25, 2012

Neil, a man among men, you were one of my father's closest friends, he loved you so much! Thank you for always looking out for our family. You once called my mom the Mayor of Northwest St. Johns County; she truly was when she worked for you during her tenure at the Sheriff's office. Thank you for giving me my first real job and making it an opportunity that few have the chance to experience. To this day, I still cherish all I learned as a deputy for SJSO. It truly was a family affair. We had an excellent leader! You will be truly missed not only by your family & friends but buy your county & state! Syd, Keith, Michele, Missy & family our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We love you and if you need anything you only need ask.

LARRY WRIGHT

June 25, 2012

I NEVER KNEW NEIL PERRY , THAT IS TO SAY I NEVER MET HIM FACE TO FACE,. I DIDN'T HAVE TO! HIS WORK HAS TOUCHED EVERYONE IN SOME WAY. EVAN THOUGH I AM JUST S SECURITY OFFICER NOW, AND AN EX MILITARY POLICE % INSTRUCTOR, ANY ONE WHO EVER WORE A BADGE WOULD HAVE BEEN PROUD TO HAVE SEEN MR. PERRYS WORK AND THE THE WAY HE MADE THINGS MATTER. BLESSING AND CONDOLANCES TO HIS FAMILY. TAKE PRIDE IN WHAT NEIL ACHIEVED AND KNOW HE IS STILL WORKING, JUST FROM ABOVE AND THROUGH THOSE HE LEFT BEHINDE.

Jim Neuenfeldt

June 25, 2012

Neil, It is like losing a member of my own family. You were a man who displayed ethical values and honesty no matter the situation. You were a leader because you genuinely lived as one everyday and in all thing you did.
I'm sure there is a special place awaiting you.

Earl& Marie White(Gurley)

June 25, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with Syd and family at this time.

Pearl Tipton

June 24, 2012

My deepest sympathies to you and your family, Noel. May peace be with you.

Linda Davis

June 24, 2012

Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with Neil's family at this sad time.

From a member of the Class of 1967 SAHS

Tom & Krystal Murphy

June 24, 2012

What a gift it was to know Neil. We will remember him fondly. Our prayers and heartfelt sorrow goes out to Syd and family. May the love of our Lord comfort you especially at this time and always.

Connie & Ronnie McDaniel

June 24, 2012

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Michael Stover

June 24, 2012

God speed Neil. Just saw you a few Wednesdays ago at the club. I had no idea all you said was "it's a long story". Talk about True Grit. You will be missed my friend. My Condolences to the family. Mike

Gary Hoog

June 24, 2012

I will remember the friendship, mentorship he always offered, his love of our community, he will be missed but memories we will always have.

Syd and the entire Perry family, you're always in my thoughts and prayers.

Christina Williams

June 24, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Pat Hunt

June 24, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Cheryl O'Connell - Butler

June 24, 2012

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

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