HENDERSON-Bennett Hester Perry, Jr., age 81, passed away on April 15, 2011 in Henderson, N.C. Born in Richmond, Virginia, April 16, 1929 he was the son of the late Bennett Hester Perry, Sr. and Katharine Drane Perry. Bennett was raised and lived in Henderson, NC.  After graduating from Episcopal High School in 1947, he earned an undergraduate and a law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  Bennett proudly served in the United States Marine Corps as a Lieutenant and a Platoon Leader from 1951-1953. He was awarded the Bronze Star for his service in the Korean War.

Returning to Henderson, Bennett practiced law and was a partner in the family firm of Perry, Kittrell, Blackburn and Blackburn, which later became Perry and Waters.

He was a member of the North Carolina State Bar Association, the North Carolina Bar Association, the Vance County Bar Association and the Henderson Rotary Club. 

Bennett was an Eagle Scout from Troop 31 in Henderson. He dedicated his time toward serving his community and was named by the Vance County Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2008.  At the time of his death, he was a member of the Board of Trustees of the H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library where he served as chairmen for more than 30 years. He was also a member of the Board of the Salvation Army for 30 years.  Bennett was an active member of The Church of the Holy Innocents where he was a life long member and faithfully served in many capacities.  Bennett was a highly respected attorney and a true southern gentleman. He had a great passion for the outdoors and especially his time spent at his family farm, Cascine.  He was an avid collector of arrowheads and Indian artifacts.

Bennett is survived by his first cousins, Robert G. Kittrell, Jr. and wife, Katherine of Henderson; Frances Perry Finney of Kensington, Maryland; Frances Drane Inglis of Edenton, NC and Rebecca Drane Warren of Chapel Hill, NC.  He will be greatly missed by his long-time friend and devoted companion, Jane White Jones.  Bennett was honored by the service of his loyal secretary of many years, Farrel Oakes. He greatly enriched the lives of many friends, associates and family members.

The family received friends on Sunday, April 17, from 5 to 8 at the home of Robert G. and Katherine Kittrell, 976 Meadow Lane, Henderson, NC.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 18, at 3 p.m. at The Church of the Holy Innocents, 210 South Chestnut Street, Henderson, NC. Burial followed at Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The H. Leslie Perry Memorial Library, 205 Breckenridge St., Henderson, NC, 27536.

Arrangements are by J. M. White Funeral Home.

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