Henry’s Obituary Henry “Hank” Perry II The Great Storyteller Henry (Hank) Perry II who was affectionately known as “Junior” was born on August 9, 1941 in Clark County, Arkansas to the union of Ezekiel and Mattie Goodloe Perry. The Perry family migrated to Oakland, California for a portion of Hank’s childhood. Years after the family moved back to Arkansas, he graduated from Peake High School in Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
In high school he participated in agriculture club and lettered in track and football. It’s no surprise that he won accolades and an award for his participation in Drama Club. He received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from A. M. & N. College (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and a Master’s of Science in Education-Guidance from North Carolina A & T University in Greensboro, North Carolina.
While in North Carolina he married Sharon Hughs. He was employed by Winston-Salem State University in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Upon moving back to Arkadelphia, Hank married Rae Evelyn Rice in 1978.
He worked as a social worker and program coordinator at the Arkadelphia Human Development Center in Arkadelphia, Arkansas until his retirement. Hank was a Vietnam War Veteran and retired as a Sergeant First Class of the United States Army. He chartered and commanded a VFW Post in Clark County Arkansas and was a devoted member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
He served his community as a member and chairman of the Arkadelphia Housing Authority. Being an avid football fan, he was often seen passionately adding his own commentary while viewing college and professional football. His magnetic personality, infectious laughter and storytelling ability warmed and entertained the hearts of many.
Hank took his last breath on Wednesday, January 29th 2019 at the John L. McClellen Memorial Veteran’s hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ezekiel and Mattie Goodloe Perry; his brothers: Booker T. (Evelyn) Perry and Charlie (Diane) Perry; and his sisters: Mattie C. (Joe) Perry and Dorothy (Grady) Simpson. He is survived by; his son Henry “Hank” Perry, III of Charlotte, North Carolina, from his union to Sharon Hughes; his daughter Amber (Paul) Perry Rainey of Los Angeles, California from his union to Rae Evelyn Rice, his three grandchildren: Perry, Charis and SofiEden Rainey of Los Angeles, California; his sister, Gloria Mitchell of Saint Louis, Missouri, his Aunt, Minnie Bennett of Las Vegas, Nevada; and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Public visitation will be Saturday, February 9, 2019 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home with the family hour from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Interment will be Rolling Hills Memorial Park in Richmond, California.
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