Royal L. "Roy" Perry

Royal (Roy) L. Perry, aged 77, passed away peacefully as he was called home to be with the Lord on June 23, 2025, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family in his home in Canton, NY.

He was born on June 22, 1948 in Ogdensburg, New York.  Roy was the eldest of four siblings, who also enjoyed time spent with his grandparents. He had a lifetime love of learning, encouraging all to pursue new skills and knowledge. He was a man who was full of wisdom that he freely shared.  He loved to read and discuss literature.

Over the course of his 45-year career in the construction field, he sold homes, designed and built houses and neighborhoods, moving onto restaurants across the United States, including fast food and family owned, then to larger shopping malls and office building structures, eventually ending with his biggest passion of historic restoration.   He approached every project with precision, integrity and a deep commitment to using his talents including leadership, communication, problem-solving, and technical expertise. No matter which type of construction, Roy excelled and obtained various awards and recognition, including three from the state of New York for historic preservation.

Roy had a love of music from an early age playing the trumpet with ease. During his early years he was often called to play TAPS at local funerals. He set off on a jazz band tour across the states with several friends, stopping in Las Vegas where he met the love of his life, Elaine- Lainey.  He worked as a black jack dealer, managed a clothing store and played in a nightclub. They relocated to Kansas City to settle and raise their three children, leading to ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren with the expectation for more! Life brought many trials that they navigated with faith and trust in God, celebrating their 55th anniversary earlier this year. His favorite bible verse was Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

His greatest joy was his family, and he found God's grace in every moment spent in cooking meals- lots of pancakes, playing games, listening to music, reading the bible, living a life of humility, prayer, and selfless love that continues to inspire all who knew him. He had a love of nature that included swimming, fishing, hunting, water skiing, boating, camping and gardening. He served in and out of the church by demonstrating unconditional love by being what our family calls "Jesus with skin". Visiting the sick to pray, sharing the Gospel and leading many to Christ. He had a gift to reach the unloved, vulnerable and hurting by just being present, and then drawing out their own gifts to help them establish the same confidence of who they are in Christ. He was called to mentor men which he demonstrated throughout his entire life. Whatever he put his hands to, whether that was restoring boat motors, fishing equipment, firearms or vehicles, enjoying woodworking projects or extending a firm warm handshake, people and everything around him was always better off by his patient and gracious attention.

Roy loved pie and cookies of any kind, dark chocolate, novelty socks or ties, the KC Chiefs and the Bible. Our favorite memories are times spent being together as a family and waiting in anticipation for him to finish cooking another delicious meal on the grill like his BBQ chicken or goober burgers.

As an alternative to sending flowers, you are welcome to provide donations for Hospice in the form of personal wipes, trash bags and disposable gloves.

Funeral services will be held at Calvary Baptist Church at 75 East Main St. Canton NY: Calling hours, a time to pay your respects, will be held on Friday, June 27th, 2025 from 5-8pm.  Then a relational sharing service on Saturday, June 28th, 2025 starting at 1:00pm.   The Saturday service will include some of Roy's favorite moments and scripture readings.

Memories and condolences may be shared online at www.olearyfuneralservice.com. Arrangements for Royal L. "Roy" Perry are under the care of the O'Leary Funeral Service of Canton.