Mr. Jeptha Harris Perry Jr., 87, of Hartwell, passed away Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at St. Mary's Hospital, Athens, surrounded by family.

Born on October 28, 1931 in Lexington GA, he was the son of the late Jeptha Harris Sr. and Chloe Hansford Perry.Mr. Perry was retired owner/operator of Jeptha's Men's Wear and of the Baptist Faith.

Mr. Perry enlisted in the US Navy October 28, 1948 on his 17th birthday and served in the Navy Fighter Squadron VF-54, fighting in the Korean War through October 1952.Jeptha was a Combat Air Crewman assisting the pilot in fighter planes, the Skyraiders and Corsairs, aboard the USS Valley Forge and the USS Essex.Jeptha was proud and thankful to serve his country and received 18 medals.After leaving the Navy, he worked for the Atomic Energy Commission for a few years. Jeptha was a member of the American Legion Post # 92.

Mr. Perry was survived by one daughter: Ann P. Ayers of Hartwell GA; one son: Alan Perry (Sherri) of Watkinsville GA; two granddaughters: Taylor Perry of Athens GA and Sarah Anne Perry of Chattanooga TN; several nieces and nephews also survive.Mr. Perry was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Gibson Perry and Eugene Perry and two sisters: Annette P. Popham and Sara P. Harrison.

The family will receive friends Saturday, August 10, 2019 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell.Other times the family will be at their respective homes.

Mr. Perry wished to be cremated and a memorial service celebrating his life will be Saturday, August 10, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Rev. Carter Tucker officiating.

Flowers optional, memorials may be made to the Hart Co. Animal Rescue, PO Box 45, Hartwell GA 30643 or to the Alzheimer's Association, 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 550, Atlanta, GA 30346.

The Strickland Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.