March 5 1944 June 10 2022
Leonard Gordon Perry, 78, peacefully transitioned to his heavenly home on June 10, 2022, in Anchorage, Alaska. On March 5, 1944, Leonard Wheeler and Dorothy Perry presented the world with Leonard “Bunkie” Perry in Prince George County, Virginia. At the age of 8, Bunkie went to live in Norfolk with Aunt Emily and Aunt Nollie. He returned to Hopewell in his late teens. He always knew who his dad was and he wanted to meet his siblings. “When he came to see us, I think he was shocked to see all of us looked alike,” wrote Vernice. Bunkie took the role of now being a big brother to heart, and he strove to honor, support, guide and most importantly, protect his family. He was at his happiest when he was surrounded by his family. His devotion to his family was the foundation of his actions-the anchor that defined and shaped his life. In 1967, Leonard Jr was born to Leonard and Joann Taylor. They married in 1968 and to this union, Melissa was born 1969. On 5 June 1976, Leonard married the love of his life, Linda Diane Perry. Their journey started in Newtown and Hopewell, VA. Together, they raised Linda’s boys, Gregory born 1967 and Damon born 1971. To this union, Tamika was born 1974 and Rahsaan born 1976. They stayed married until the time of her passing, March 10, 2019, over 42 years! Leonard went to high school until 10th grade. He was a mechanic by trade. Before leaving Virginia, he worked at John Randolph Hospital. Taking heed to his sister Harriet telling him “there was money to be made on the pipeline”, Anchorage, Alaska became Leonard’s home in 1980. He left his wife, children, and entire family; an extreme sacrifice for a lifetime of reward. In 1982, Linda and four kids relocated to Anchorage, living in a 2 bedroom, 700 sq ft apartment. Leonard Jr and Melissa remained in Virginia. After arriving in Alaska, he worked multiple jobs (often 2 or 3 at a time). In 1984, he was blessed with employment by Arco Oilfield Company. While on the North Slope, he worked at multiple facilities and helped sink the Seawater Treatment Plant on the edge of the Arctic Ocean that is still in production today. In 2000, he retired as a mechanic with Arco after 26 years of service. In 1986, he picked the barren spot at 8821 Dome Circle, Eagle River, Alaska, and had his home built. He lived at his home until the time of his transition. In 1999, Leonard joined Praise Temple WOTCC Intl. Here, he served in many areas; Men’s, Usher, & Cleanup ministries, mentored/shared work ethics with young boys/men as part of Iron Man group, church renovation projects and whatever his hands needed to do. He was appointed as Deacon in 2003, with his faith by his works. Thus, he’s affectionately known as “Deac”. It’s during this time of his life, he truly became, The Big Dog. “He’d often say, not everyone can be a Big Dog!” “If you can’t hang with the Big Dogs, stay on the porch!” He was the oldest, longest member of the church, at the time of his transition. Leonard had a few hobbies he really loved to do. He enjoyed reading ever since he was a boy. He picked up golf later in life and liked the challenge. His flight simulator game took him all around the world, to match his imagination. Most of all, he enjoyed time with his family. If you were blessed enough to be in his territory, and you made any impact on his life, or around his loved ones, or if he flat out liked you, he gave you a nickname. There are many family members who are known by the name Bunkie gave them. It was his way of connecting to you, and those of us who have been given a name (you may or may not choose to go by), but if he called you that, you had no choice but to respond accordingly, cause he was who he was! Leonard is survived by his sons, Greg(Karen) and Rahsaan(Venessa) and Demetrius; daughters, Melissa(Reggie) and Tamika; daughter-in-laws, India Pelham and Angela Proctor; Goddaughters, Lycra(Inmon) Pitts, Anita(Barry) Moore; grandchildren, Alana, Leonard IV, Mervin, Gregory(Amanda), Jordan(Shizue), Kiana, Nina, Melissa, Josiah, Levelle, Reginald Jr., Damon II, Daemoni, Emmanuel, Rahsaan Jr.(Quintanilla), Daija, Eleisa, Javonna, Daniel, Danyell, Doloris, Chris, Aaliyah, and Adonis; 13 great grandkids; brothers, Calvin Wheeler(Arlina) and John(Jean) Wheeler; sister, Vernice Winfield; sisters-in-law, Brenda, Gwendolyn, Fredonia and Veronica Pelham, Sylvia(Earl) Johnson; brother-in-laws, Ernest(Carolyn) Demps and Lawrence Pelham; confidant, Euzera Willams; ex-wife, Joanne Harris and many more nephews, nieces and extended family in Virginia, Georgia, California, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Bunkie was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Perry; sons, Leonard Jr and Damon Pelham; parents, Leonard Wheeler and Dorothy Perry; sisters, Jewel Fitzgerald, Anna Banks, Geneva Wheeler, Harriet Ward and Hazel Perry; brothers, George and Dennis Wheeler; brother-in-law, Ulysses “Stickman” Pelham. We will forever be a part of the legacy left by Leonard, “Bunkie, Deac, Nard, Big Dog, or Scooter” he had nicknames too! We can’t help but to look around and know the impact he has had on all our lives. We love you, Dad, Brother, Grandpa, Uncle, Great-Uncle, and Great-Grandpa. We always said, “We love you” and you would always say, “I love you more”. Well, God loved you mostest! Viewing, 8 Jul (Friday), 12-3pm AKST Evergreen Memorial Chapel (737 E Str, Anchorage) Homegoing Service – 9 Jul (Saturday), 12 noon AKST, Praise Temple WOTCC Intl (822 E Loop Rd, Government Hill) This service can also be view on Facebook. Search “Praise Temple” (location Anchorage AK) To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Leonard, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Leonard Gordon Perry March 5 1944 June 10 2022.
Death notice for the town of: Wasilla, state: Alaska