James "Bruce" Perry

Legacy of Life

James Perry, affectionately known as “Bruce,” was born on October 14, 1941, in Sheldon, South Carolina, to the late Geneva and Charlie Perry. He spent his childhood years in Sheldon and was educated in Beaufort County, graduating from Robert Smalls High School in Beaufort, South Carolina. He learned to drive at an early age, and as was customary for boys growing up in the South during that time, he drove the school bus while attending school from the 9th through the 12th grade, demonstrating responsibility and maturity beyond his years.

Upon graduation, Bruce left the Lowcountry and relocated north to White Plains, New York, determined to build a future through hard work. He was first employed by the City of White Plains Department of Sanitation, but after enduring one especially hot summer riding on the back of a sanitation truck, he realized that was not the life he desired. He later worked at Schrafft’s Restaurant on Main Street in downtown White Plains as a short‑order cook, where he honed his culinary skills before deciding to pursue a different path.

Bruce went on to begin what would become his life’s work at General Motors in Tarrytown, New York, where he was employed as an assemblyman. He was known for his exceptional work ethic - never missing a day and never arriving late. After nearly 40 years of dedicated service, he retired in 1996 when the plant closed.

Once settled in White Plains, Bruce reconnected with his old schoolmate Brenda Alston Simmons, who hailed from Paige Point, South Carolina; just across the railroad tracks from Sheldon. She had also relocated north in search of a better life. Their crossing of paths resulted in a marriage that spanned 62 years; a testament to patience, devotion, and enduring love. From this union, a son, Kenneth James Perry, was born.

Not only did Bruce enjoy helping to build cars, he also loved driving them. There were many excursions up and down the highway between New York and South Carolina. Often those trips turned into friendly races against the clock as he, his brothers, cousins, and friends competed to see who could make the journey in the least amount of time. The first question upon arrival was never, “How was the trip?” but always, “How long did it take you?”

In his downtime, Bruce could often be found sitting on the couch in front of the television, enjoying a good old western or taking in a football, baseball, or basketball game. He also appreciated a good boxing match. Another favorite pastime was people‑watching in which he could often be seen parked along various streets in White Plains simply taking in the sights. When his eyesight began to diminish and he was no longer able to drive, Bruce became an avid walker, refusing to be held hostage by his ailment and continuing to move forward with determination.

On the morning of Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the Epic Rehabilitation Center in White Plains, New York, Bruce answered God’s call and quietly departed this life.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Catherine Williams; six brothers, Dan Pringle, Waymon Perry, Rickey Perry, Samuel “Arthur Lee” Perry, Carl Perry, and Douglass Smith; and one son, Anthony Simmons.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Brenda Perry; two sons, Kenneth “Kenny” Perry (Cheryl) of White Plains, New York, and Bernard Haywood of Dale, South Carolina; two sisters, Rebecca Teel of New York City and Edginee Smalls of Sheldon, South Carolina; Olivia Rhodes, the daughter he never had but loved as his own; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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ATTENTION: During the continuing various health concerns, please govern yourself accordingly for the health & safety of all. Thank you so kindly!

A Wake/Visitation/Viewing will be held on Thursday March 19th 2026, from 11:00AM-12:00PM, followed by Funeral Service at 12:00PM all at Calvary Baptist Church. But the Church will be live-streaming the services on Calvary's FACEBOOK & YOUTUBE pages on Thursday 3/19/26, also available on our website the day of the service Below where it says Stream, so you're able to view on there or here also/instead. So you may come to the Church to attend, & feel free to wear masks. At the very least you can get hand sanitizer & sign the register book (NOTE: please feel free to bring your own pen -OR- you may bring an address label to paste in register book in lieu of signing). Regardless of if you're able to enter/be seated, or not, please refrain from too much touching/hugging/handshaking, preferably elbow bumping briefly if at all. If instructed, Please Kindly Respectfully leave the building & premises if the church is at their capacity. PLEASE KINDLY RESPECTFULLY follow & abide by the directions of the funeral home staff and/or church or cemetery personnel at all times. We Thank You in advance for following directions & policies, so as to make all go smoothly the day of the services, to eliminate further burden on the family, and to maintain the health & safety of All. Any questions, or if any clarity is needed, please call ahead to the funeral home and/or church, and/or speak to us from a safe distance if present.

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The Entire Staff of Lee's Funeral Home, LLC respects that the family of James Perry entrusted the care of their loved one to us, and that they value the level of service & attention our funeral home provides. We are honored, in turn, to provide comfort, assistance and service to the Perry Family during their time of bereavement.

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Please leave written condolences now herein on the Memory Wall to express your sorrow, share your memories, and as an expression of sympathy & way to communicate with/offer comfort to the family, that they and others may see, and may be a lasting tribute in his honor, whether you're able to attend or not. Definitely Please SIGN IN on the Memory Wall as a virtual way of signing the register book, especially if choosing to stay safe/watch remotely/not able to sign in person.

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Please feel free to come to the church wearing a mask, & feel free to wear a mask inside the church &/or at cemetery if you choose, and social distance as much as possible. If you know you have and/or are sick/experiencing symptoms of coronavirus/COVID-19/Measles; are immuno-compromised and/or have health/other conditions that make your body more susceptible to illness, please do NOT attend any services nor come to any facility. Please feel free to bring & use your own pen for signing the family's register book - you are encouraged to please BRING & use your own PEN for signing -OR- you may bring an address label to paste in register book in lieu of signing. Please follow & abide by the rules of the church, and directions of the funeral home staff and/or church & cemetery personnel at all times. We Thank You in advance for following accordingly to maintain the health & safety of All. Any questions, or if any clarity is needed, please call ahead to the church and/or funeral home, and/or speak to us from a safe distance if present.

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You may send flowers, and/or as a lasting tribute, you may choose to plant a tree in his name/memory/honor as another form of condolence. If sending flowers, they may be delivered either on Wednesday March 18th, 2026 by/before 6:00PM to Lee's Funeral Home, or on Thursday March 19th, 2026 by/before 10:45AM to Calvary Baptist Church. The Family Thanks You!