Ellis Edward Perdue, 88 of Roanoke beloved husband of Helen Kerr Perdue, who has lovingly cared for him for many years during a long illness, passed away Tuesday July 3, 2007. He was a loving and caring husband and daddy who is leaving in his own words, "the most wonderful wife in the world". He is also survived by his precious daughters, Robin Perdue Huntley Haas of Roanoke, Brenda Joyce Carter Ferguson and her husband Gene of Chester Gap, Va.; and one son Johnny Carter of Florida. He will miss his sweetheart and precious granddaughter, Alison Huntley, daughter of Robin and several other beautiful grand and great grandchildren from Brenda and Johnny. He also leaves a step daughter, Constance L. Smith, daughter of Helen who resides in California and a stepson, James Edwin Smith, son of Helen and his wife Henedine of Las Vegas, Nev. Mr. Perdue has a brother, Carl Perdue of Richmond; sister, Louise Ragland, also of Richmond and numerous nephews and nieces. Mr. Perdue was admired by his friends and especially his family for his determination to fight a disease which gave him excruciating pain every day. His attitude taught us that tomorrow is another day and that we should never give up hope. A gentle, kind, sweet man, Ellis was born July 4, 1918 in Roanoke to Taw (deceased) and Bertha Perdue (deceased). He always said that "everyone celebrated his birthday". He was educated in Jefferson Senior High School leaving in the year 1936. He worked for Mick or Mack groceries for several years then began a distinguished and successful career with Woodmen of the World (WOW) Life Insurance Society. During his years with WOW, he was one of the top salesmen in Virginia and for numerous years, one of the top salesmen in the country. He received many honors and awards with the company and retired in July of 1985. He was a World War II veteran, serving in the 127 Division, in Counter Intelligence (America Division) under Gen. Douglas McArthur and severely injured when making the assault on Leyte Bay, Philippines earning the Purple Hearth, The Meritorious Wreath Award and Combat Infantry Medal with Three Stars, also he won the Philippine Service Ribbon with Bronze Service Star and World War II Victory Medal. Ellis was a member of several Fraternal Organizations to include, a 32 Degree Mason, member of Lakeland Lodge # 190 AF&AM, Roanoke: Scottish Rite Bodies, Kazim Temple, Roanoke, serving with the "Chanters" and a member of Carrie Lee Chapter, # 108 serving as Worthy Patron three times. He was a member of AARP, American Legion, Jefferson High School Retiree's Club, Harmonica Club, Past Airplane Club as a pilot and numerous dance clubs such as 300 Club Secretary Cotillion. He and Helen have had so many wonderful friends at Christ Lutheran Church, Roanoke where he became a member in 1961: in the Masonic Order, and all organizations they have been a part of, friends he will miss so very much. He wants to thank everyone for their love, kindness and friendship during his life and their support during his illness. He will be missed by many and will be carried with extreme love and gratitude for all he gave, in the hearts of his family forever. Funeral services will be at Christ Lutheran Church 2 p.m. Saturday July 7, 2007 with Pastor David Skole officiating. Interment with Masonic Services by Lakeland Lodge # 190 AF&AM will be in Evergreen Burial Park. An Eastern Star Service will be at 7 p.m. Friday July 6, 2007 at Oakey's South Chapel were the family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the Cripple Children's Home care of The Kazim Temple 628 Campbell Ave. Roanoke, Va. 24016 or The Christ Lutheran Church in Roanoke.


Published in the Roanoke Times on 7/5/2007.