SGT Craig Perry

Craig Perry departed this life on Friday, August 15, 2025 at his home. He was predeceased by his mother, Gladys Perry Pauling, two sisters, Starlesie “Cookie” Pauling, Sandra Dee Coleman, and an uncle, William Perry (Rosie, Helen). He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Frederica Perry (nee’ Scott), two daughters and a son from previous marriages, Shaunta’ Angelika Jones (Sheila), Jakairia Imani Perry, Christopher Craig Perry (Angela), a stepson, Kevon Shaw, a son-in-law, Kevin Jones, two granddaughters, Kennedy Taylor Elaine Jones and Karrington Amaani Jones, his father, Lawrence Barnes of Elgin, SC, his brothers, Kawan Pauling (Tasha) and Jamal Barnes, and an aunt, Shirley Perry Bernard, as well as his beloved cousins Melette, Shawna, William, Johnathan, Tammy, Michael, Stephanie, and Gregory, and many other cousins, acquaintances and friends who are left to cherish his memory. Special mention goes to Garrett Johnson III, his friend who was steadfastly by his side for most of his adult life and his final moments. Born September 15, 1968 in Winnsboro, South Carolina, his family lived in the Peay Ridge community of Great Falls, South Carolina. He was educated in the Chester County School District and graduated from Great Falls High School in 1986, where he was a member of the school’s football and track teams. Craig was a beloved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, uncle, friend, and husband. He touched the lives of many with his profound sense of humor, warmth, creativity, curiosity, and gregarious, outgoing nature. Craig was a generous friend and possessed an uncanny ability to connect to just about anyone. Away from school he was an avid sportsman and fisherman who enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. At the age of 17, Craig enlisted in the United States Army. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of Sergeant as a combat medic in the 82nd Airborne Division. As part of this service, he served all over the world, including the First Iraq War and Operation Just Cause. He was awarded numerous medals and commendations throughout his decade-plus military career. Sgt. Perry’s memorial service will be held at Colvin Funeral Home and Crematory, 2010 Murchison Road, Fayetteville, NC 28301 at 2:00 pm on September 6, 2025. All are welcome to attend. -May God give us the grace to be vulnerable, free and trusting enough in our own shared humanity that we can ask for help, guidance, and counsel when we need it to show us we are not alone. Loneliness, despair, rage, regret and sorrow can take us to place to which there is no return for some. Showing kindness and grace, when the person sometimes may not even deserve it, may be the only way. You can save two lives by saving one: yours and theirs. Do not let pride make you afraid to ask for help or reticent to give it to those who may truly need it.-

SGT Craig Perry

September 15, 1968 - August 15, 2025