Franklin D Perry

Franklin D Perry, age 89, passed away peacefully at his home in Crestview, Florida, on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, with his loving family at his bedside.

Franklin was born in Mt. Gay, West Virgina, on June 16, 1934.  He was preceded in death by his first wife of 58 years, Mary Perry.  He is survived by his second wife of 4 years, Janice Perry; his son Frank Perry and wife Julie, son Lawrence (Larry) Perry and wife Linda, daughter Wanda Larson-Tiller and husband Les; eight grandchildren, Christina Campbell and husband Will, Jamie Howell and husband Adam, Nicholas Larson and wife Ashton, Erin Rhodes and husband Dustin, Addison Larson and wife Alyssa, Benjamin Perry and wife Amanda, Nelson Larson and wife Katy, and Micah Arfons and husband Jake; and twenty-three great-grandchildren, Olivia, Emma, Laila, Violet, Emilie, Levin, Elias, Ramona, Liliana, Rowan, Ruby, Erik, Everett, Evelyn, Felix, Evan, Owen, Wesley, Jasper, Oliver, Elliot, Shepherd, and Theo.  He is also survived by his brothers, Donny Perry and Daniel Perry and several nieces and nephews.

Franklin joined the Air Force in August 1950, spent four years active military, then became a military contractor for two years.  He decided to return to the Air Force where he served two tours in Vietnam and retired in August 1974.  He also served as manager of the Okaloosa Wastewater Facility for 13 years.

He loved taking care of his cows, horses, pigs, and chickens on the farm he purchased in Baker, Florida, in 1995.  In addition to farming, he loved to fish, especially for bass.  Always looking for new adventures, he received his private pilot’s license at the age of 67.  He was energetic, friendly, and kind, and he loved to talk to people.  He was a wonderful, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

A visitation will be held from 9 – 10 a.m. Friday, August 25, at Whitehurst-Powell Funeral Home & Crematorium, 436 West James Lee Boulevard, Crestview, Florida, with the funeral service following at 10 a.m.

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