Perry Gainey

In the evening hours of Monday, September 30, 2024, Mr. Perry Gainey parted with this life and journeyed peacefully into the everlasting arms of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Born on Saturday, June 19, 1943, in Chesterfield South Carolina last of 15 children from the loving union of the late Raymond Alexander Gainey and Lillie Mae Blackmon. Affectionately called “Perry” he was much adored by his older brothers and sisters who nicknamed him “Meat” the best rock thrower in Anson County.

Perry was a graduate of West Deep Creek High School, Wadesboro, NC and attended college in Greensboro, North Carolina for a brief period. At the age of 25 he enlisted as a soldier in the United States Armed Forces. Upon his departure from military service, he settled in Charlotte, North Carolina and later married his now ex-wife Betty Caldwell, and was stepfather to sons Raymond, Arnold, and Reginald. Perry was a devoted husband and stepfather and a faithful soldier in the army of the Lord. He fought a good fight in his battle with various health conditions until his last day of life.

From his early years, Perry’s mother Mrs. Lillie Mae Blackmon taught him respect for family, to have strong values as a good neighbor, maintain a strong work ethic and above all to reverence God. He would always say, “Teach the youth while they are young, and they will never part from their ways.” Also, he would say, “Get it while you can.” Perry was a humble man and had a resilience for life. He was always positive and treated everyone with warmth, love and encouragement. Whenever you left his presence, he would always say “I love you” and “God Bless You”. His sharpness and heavenly smile showed up with him in every room on his entry. His lifelong friends would hang on to every minute just to be around him as he always was refreshing their youthful memories with laughter.

Perry “Meat” Gainey’s memory will be cherished with love as he leaves behind his dearest sister Margaret Gainey Staton of Charlotte, North Carolina. Honorable Mention to his nephews, sons of his late brother Sergeant William Gainey (Lucy H. Gainey), Captain William Gainey, Jr., Major General Sean Gainey, and Brigadier General Andrew Clifford Gainey. Numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and great, great nieces and nephews along with a complete world of many more cousins and a host of cherished friends.