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Roger J. Perry

Dec 11, 2020

Roger Johns Perry, 90, died Dec. 4, 2020, at the Hospice of the Panhandle where he was transferred just one day prior due to complications related to lung cancer. His greatest wish was to remain at home until the end and, thankfully, that was possible. He was the son of William P. C. Perry and Mary S. Perry, lifelong residents of Charles Town.

Roger was born in Baltimore, Maryland, but from the age of 6 lived in and considered Charles Town his home. He attended Randolph Macon Military Academy and was a graduate of Washington and Lee University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and an LLB. In 1954, after graduating from law school and passing both the Virginia and West Virginia bar exams, he was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army Judge Advocate Corps. He served at Seventh Army Headquarters in Germany, joined there by Wanda, his wife of 65 years. After 3 years in Germany, he returned home to establish his law practice in Charles Town.

Roger practiced law for 35 years. He initially opened an individual practice. After 8 years he joined the law firm of Avey & Steptoe, later Avey, Steptoe and Perry. Just prior to his retirement, the firm merged with Steptoe & Johnson.

Throughout his life, Roger gave his time, energy, and support to many community organizations. He was elected to two terms in the West Virginia House of Delegates representing Jefferson County. During that time, he was a member of the Finance and Rules Committee and chaired the Redistricting Committee. His public service contributions included serving on the Jefferson County Board of Health for 50 years, serving as Chairman. He also served as a director for the Jefferson County Development Authority, the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, Charles Town General Hospital and the Charles Town Library. Roger was a charter member of the Harpers Ferry Historical Association and a member and Vice President of the Jefferson County Historical Association.

In recognition of these many contributions, Roger, together with his wife Wanda, was selected as Jefferson County Citizen of the Year in 1997 and just recently received the SAC-BSA Scouting 2020 Distinguished Citizen Award for Jefferson County.

Roger was an active member of Zion Episcopal Church where he served on the vestry and as Senior Warden. He participated as a member of the Harpers Ferry Cooking Club and 40 & 8.

Roger was a dedicated, loving husband, father and friend whose grace and kindness was appreciated by all. He embodied the concepts of civility, kindness and graciousness. He is survived by his wife Wanda; his daughter Julia Rice, Bend Oregon; two grandsons John Rice, New York City, New York and William Rice, Charlotte, North Carolina; nieces Elizabeth Haney and Gwynn Jodoin; and his nephew Price Smith.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Craighill Smith and brother, William C. Perry.

A private memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Zion Episcopal Church, followed by internment in the churchyard. Friends and extended family are invited to join the service virtually.

Arrangements are by the Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home, Charles Town.

Please sign the online guestbook and view his obituary at www.mtstrider.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Welfare Society of Jefferson County, PO Box 147, Charles Town, WV 25414 or Zion Episcopal Church, 221 East Washington St., Charles Town, WV 25414.