Willie James Perry, 81 of Charlotte, received his heavenly wings on Friday, April 29, 2022 at Novant Health - Mint Hill.  The son of the late Jesse Lee Perry and Nannie Ruth Perry Houston, was born February 14, 1941, in Kershaw, South Carolina.

Willie attended Kershaw High School, in Kershaw, South Carolina.  He furthered his education as a mechanic at a trade school in California, where he developed his extensive mechanical skills and knowledge.  Working as a mechanic for many years was only one of his many natural talents.  He was self-employed as an owner and operator of numerous dump trucks, charter buses, food trucks, and night clubs.

In his early years, he was very passionate about the opening and management of his first of two night clubs, Ski Baby Lounge, which was well-known in the Charlotte area.

Willie was recognized for his work with the Charlotte Trolley, located at Atherton Mill, where he was a part of the 1993 Trolley Restoration Project.

Willie had an incredible love for local and deep sea fishing, he considered this as a way for him to relax and relieve stress.  Another one of his great passions and love was their annual, July 4th cookout and family celebration which was hosted by him and his wife Doreatha.  This was a time where both family and friends would gather each year for over 10 years.

If you ever had an opportunity to sit a spell and share a moment with Willie, you would come to understand his love for life, family and his friends.  He loved telling a story that included laughter and humor, he had a genuine love for people.

Caring for and nurturing children was so gratifying and fulfilling for Willie, he and his wife Doreatha were strong advocates of fostering children, which led them to becoming foster parents.  The requirements of the program involved extensive training classes and workshops.

He was preceded in death by his sons, Willie Perry, Jr and Clinton Cohens (Deitra), two sisters, Pauline Horton (Aaron), and Annie Grace Bagby (Jake), brothers James Houston (Mary), John Houston (Virginia).

He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 57 years, Doreatha Perry, daughter Marcia Ann Johnson (Nathaniel) of Pageland, South Carolina, two sons Felix Cohens (Tracy), and James Perry, sisters Evelyn Clark (John), Bessie Smith, Dessie Wright (Willie), Lucille Johnson (Robert), Delores Wilson, Lynette Gaston (Bernard), Jynette Paige, brother, Larry Houston (Carol).  He also leaves to cherish his memories three sister in laws: Mary Kirkpatrick, Lillie McClinton (Robert), Diane Tillman (Bernard), and three brother in laws; James Kirkpatrick (Hilda), Steve Kirkpatrick (Lonnetta), Melvin Kirkpatrick (Carol).

His legacy will continue with twenty grandchildren; twenty-seven great grandchildren.

There were several special people in Willie's life that will cherish his legacy forever, a special niece Barbara Jean Stratford, Goddaughters Anita Patterson Stitt and Paula Patterson Rinnix, four Godsons; Julius Griffin, Dwayne Griffin, Don Price, and Derrick Neal all of Charlotte NC and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.