Ray Perry

Born in Lowell MA, Ray Perry served in both the Navy and Air Force, before settling into general maintenance rolls. He married Aurora and had three beautiful smart daughters: Suzanne (Carl), Sandra and Charlotte (James). Ray later moved to Florida and married Nurse Nancy welcoming her children: Michael (Edith), Kevin (Jennifer) and Kelly into his life. Papa Ray was blessed with six grandsons Andrew, Alexi, Robert, Richard, Matt and Tim (Megan), whom he loved very much. He also welcomed Shannon (Bruce) and Jenny as bonus granddaughters. 

One of Ray’s favorite past-times was to look at pictures of his family, especially the adventures of his new great-granddaughter, precious Presley. Papa Ray wore many deferent hats, primarily he was Mr. Fix-it.  General maintenance carried over to every aspect of his life, as being the one who could build/fix anything and could rally helpers to work on someone’s house when needed. Ray was known as the Skittles Man at church for always being prepared with a handful of the bright colored candies for those needing a little sugar and a smile. 

In addition, he was a co-founder of Caribbean Christian Construction, a ministry with a heart for Jamaica, building churches, fixing homes and providing jobs in Jamaica. Ray enjoyed taking others on his mission trips, introducing them to the Jamaican culture reminding all to “Surrender your All, before the Master calls”. Papa Ray was a mentor and teacher wherever he went, demonstrating the how, then, encouraging you to proceed while he was in the background, guiding/supporting along the way. He led with a servant’s heart, putting in equal or more of his share. 

Ray loved Jesus with all of his heart and did not hesitate to share God’s Grace and redeeming love. He knew “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.  For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:8-10. After Christ, Papa loved his wife Nancy with that same love for more than 40 years, holding her hand whenever possible, carrying her purse and leaving candy on her pillow. 

Ray will be missed by those whose lives he touched. A memorial service will be held at First Christian Church Cocoa Beach, 470 S. Brevard Avenue, Cocoa Beach FL 32931 on Sunday March 30, 2025, at 2pm

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Christian Church Cocoa Beach Memo: Caribbean Christian Construction