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Robert Eldon Perry, 73, Statesville, NC, formerly of Helena, Montana, died June 11, 2018 at the Gordon Hospice House, Statesville. Robert was born June 21, 1944, to Harold and Isabelle Perry in Vanwert Ohio. Bob spent a good portion of his childhood in the Marsh Foundation, children’s home. He served in the Air Force from 1961-1965. He was stationed at Brise Norton Air Force Base in England, Lajes Air Force Base in Azore Islands, Goose Air Base in Goose Bay Labrador and was honorably discharged in July of 1965. Bob lived in North Hollywood California from 1966 through 1970. Bob raced the Nascar series in Southern California. In 1970 Bob met the love of his life, Jo Ann Perry and they married a month later. At the time of Bob’s death, he and Jo Ann had been married for 48 wonderful years. Bob opened Perry’s Auto Repair in Riverside California that same year. After a successful eight-year run, upon the birth of their son Timmy, Bob and Jo Ann decided to move north in 1978. Bob and Jo Ann moved to Redding California where Bob went to work as a Cadillac Technician and worked in that capacity until 1982. In 1979 his daughter Cheryl was born. In 1982 Bob and Jo Ann moved to Post Falls Idaho. In Post Falls, Bob worked for various mechanic shops. In 1983 Bob and Jo Ann moved to East Helena, MT. Bob worked for Prospector Chevrolet dealership and later Grimes Motors and eventually Bob opened Perry’s Auto Repair. Bob and Jo Ann ran Perry’s Auto Repair until 2008. Bob’s first grandchild Sarah Fleury was born in 2001 followed by his second grandchild Crystal Fleury in 2003. He was very proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. In 2005 Bob became a Shriner with the Algeria Shrine Temple in Helena Montana and later became a Mason. Bob was very proud to be a Mason and to be part of such a great organization. In 2008 Bob and Jo Ann moved to North Carolina to be closer to their son Tim and his racing. Bob worked for I Cat in Statesville, NC from 2014-March of 2018. Bob’s favorite route was taking the veterans to their appointments. Bob’s hobbies included racing, helping his son build stock cars, and building and flying his own KR2 airplane in the 80’s. Survivors include his wife, Jo Ann Perry of Statesville; daughter, Cheryl Hoeger and her husband, Fred Hoeger of Bozeman, MT; son, Tim Perry and his girlfriend of 10 years Darryan Preston of Mooresville; two grandchildren, Sarah Fleury of Helena, MT and Crystal Fleury of Helena, MT; brothers, Dale Perry and Billy Williams; sisters, Peggy Perry and Darlene Mann. He is preceded in death by his half-brother, "LK" Lawrence Kenny Comer. Bobs remains will be cremated and his ashes will be returned to his beloved Montana to be buried at the VA Fort Harrison at a later date. Bob was cherished by all who had the pleasure of knowing him and he will be greatly missed! The family wishes to send a special thanks to Hospice of Iredell County and the Gordon Hospice house for their compassionate care of dad in his final days. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Perry family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.

Tributes

Robert Eldon Perry

June 21, 1944 - June 11, 2018