Service Details
Homegoing services will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Wayman A.M.E. Church, 424 North Memorial Drive, Racine. Entombment with full military honors will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. A visitation will take place at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
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On August 14, 1945, Rufus Jerry Perry was born to the late Mack and Sarah (Cotton) Perry in Macon, Mississippi. Rufus peacefully entered into eternal life on Monday, September 5, 2022, while at his home. Rufus accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior at a young age while attending Salem Methodist Church in Macon, Mississippi. He attended George Washington Carver High School in Tupelo, Mississippi and graduated in 1963. Rufus was drafted into the United States Marine Corps in 1966. He served his country in the Vietnam War and ended his service career as a Corporal.
After returning from the military, he moved to Racine, Wisconsin. On December 6, 1969, he was united in holy matrimony to LeeVora Criaer. To their union, one son was born, E Rodney Perry.
Rufus was briefly employed by Walker Manufacturer. He later transitioned employment to Twin Disc, retiring in 2003.
Rufus was a faithful member of Wayman A.M.E. Church where he served in many roles: trustee, steward, Kids’ Cafe volunteer, and member of both the church choir and the male chorus. Rufus enjoyed music, singing, being physically active, bowling, spending time with family, grilling and baking his famous butter rolls. Rufus was kind, strong, but quiet and loved by many.
Rufus was preceded in death by his parents, Mack and Sarah Perry; brothers, Felix Perry, Billy Perry; sisters, Virjean Robinson and Annie Bell Kirkwood; and brothers-in-law, Floyd “James” Kirkwood, Eddie Criaer, and Eugene Criaer.
Rufus leaves to cherish his precious memory: his wife, Leevora Perry; son E Rodney Perry (Ursula); grandchildren, Camden Gabrielle and Chandler Malik Perry; his brothers, Robert (Lorraine) Perry, John (Mildred) Perry; special niece/sister Shirley Harrison; sisters-in-law, Gloria Stinson, Lee (Toni) Hau, Eleanor (Ken) Lahr, Deborah (Cliff) Johnson, Virginia Perry, Della Perry, and a host of special nieces, nephews and other relatives.
The family of the late Rufus Jerry Perry wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the expressions of love, concern and kindness shown to their family during this hour of bereavement. May God bless and keep each of you!
Mary Jeffries and the Bedford Family says
To the family of Rufus Perry: Sincere condolences goes out to you. Praying that God will grant you peace during this most difficult time. Put all your trust in God ! We send you our love!
Glenda Gordon says
My deepest condolences for the loss of your loved one.
Deborah Sims-Brown says
My Deepest Sympathy to the Perry and Criar Family. Rest In Heavenly Peace Rufus. Job Well Done. Take Your Rest 💔🥀
Felicia Washington says
To my dearest family,
ROMANS 15 :13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Uncle Rufus was a man of integrity, kindness, caring heart for his family and not one for many words however when he spoke it was always encouraging and uplifting.
My dearest Uncle Rufus Thank you for the love, support and caring heart you always shown Mom ,Dad and us your nieces when we needed the most.
Blessings and love ,Your niece Felicia Washington
Mike & Pam Montgomery says
Our deepest condolences to the family 🙏
The Payne Family says
E and Ursula,
Prayers are with you both in this time of need. May God bless your family.
Richard McGee says
I Richard McGee send my condolences to the family of Mr. Rufus J. Perry may his memories live on within your hearts. Rufus was a kind man in my eyes. He and I attended the same gym and we shared a few kind words for laughter from time to time. His words of wisdom will live on with me although he’s gone, May he Rest In Peace ☮️ 🙏🏾
The Ellis Cotton Family says
Condolences from the Cotton family to Levora, Rodney and family and all other relatives. May you rest in heaven
Mae Tucker Williams says
I am so sorry… My sincere condolences to the family… I will keep you in my prayers during this difficult time.
Reverend David R. Green/Gregg Chapel says
I send condolences to the family of Brother Rufus. Rufus was a man of integrity and of God. Although we’ll miss him, it will be good to reflect on his work in the church for God. The word of God says, “Being absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” Rufus demonstrated an excellent work ethic and faithfulness to God. I worked many times with Him and Sister Levora in Wayman Church. His legacy is great. I will continue to lift you up to God in prayer.
Dorothy Turner Green says
So sorry for your loss. You have my heart felt condolences .🙏🏽
Jeff and Nicole Urquhart says
Our prayers 🙏🏽 and condolences to the family.
Mario Molina says
Condolences to Levora and Rodney for their loss. I first met Rufus as we both walked in together for our first day of work April 17th 1972 at Twin Disc. He was truly a kind man. He will be missed.
Will and LeLar Beadles says
Condolences to the family, sorry for your loss.
Joanne Tucker & Powell Family says
Sending our condolences to the Perry Family.
Anonymous says
Our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of LeeVora and Rufus. We pray that you all are strengthened during your time of need. God bless you.
Lynn Booker says
Prayers and condolences to the Families sorry for your loss may God give you strength and comfort in the days to come. ❤️ 🙏🏽
Lynn Booker
Mildred Blythe says
Thinking of you, praying, and sending my condolences to your family. May God comfort you during this time
Bruce ,Liz and Michael Theus says
Prayers to Levora , Rodney and the entire Perry Family. Our families have been connected through school and work for the past 50 years. Rufus was a soft spoken and kind person and will be truly missed
Shawn Griffin says
Ms. Pennie and Rodney,
You are in my prayers during this time. Mr. Rufus was a kind soul.
He was funny and always had a smile on his face.
Thinking about those days growing up in Waymen with Rufus as one of the
great male role models, I can do nothing but smile.
I am blessed to have known him and blessed to know you both.
Love Shawn,
Delphia Estes and daughters; Debra, Gwen and Jan says
Our deepest condolences and prayers to the family. Thinking of you during this time.
Leamon(LEE) ellis says
Pennie you and the family have my deepest condolences.Rufus an i go back a long way from school friends at Carver High in Tupelo MS to Racine.I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Vicki Kirkwood-Love says
Thank You Uncle Rufus for your time on Earth, I will always remember the trips to Mississippi as a child, A True Angel
John and Mary Bedford says
Hello Leevora,
Our deepest sympathies to you and the Family for your lost. We remember the fun times we had bowling together. We pray that God will touch you and the family in a special way and that the love from your family and friends will help you get through these difficult times.
Ruby D. Riley says
To Leevora and Family,
We offer our deepest condolence in the loss of our cousin, Rufus. May God grant you the joy you need to overcome your sadness. May God provide you with the comfort of His presence when you are lonely. Knowing Rufus, you can find one good memory per day to help you smile and know he’s in the loving arms of Jesus!
As you journey through this period, know that we are praying for your strength and peace…
Ruby D. Riley and Family
Detroit, Michigan
“Cookie”
Lynn Damaschke ( from our bowling team) says
Leevora sorry for your loss take care I will keep you in my prayers
Anthony Bass says
I’m truly sorry for your lost and it was a true pleasure for the time I knew him. God Bless
Sylvia Ferguson says
Condolences to the family, so sorry to hear of Rufus’s passing.
Anthony and Diane Johnson says
Prayers and Condolences to the family . God Bless you All !!
Kasie Kucharski says
Mrs. LeeVora and E Rodney,
I extend my deepest sympathies on the loss of your husband and father. I pray for peace and strength as you grieve this loss.
In love,