Perley Purnell Wallace

Perley Pernell Wallace, was born on March 3, 1931, to the late Reverend Hiram and Delia Simmons Wallace, in the community of Bigwoods, Kent County, Maryland, the eleventh of twelve children. He went home to be with the Lord, on April 28, 2020, at 11:25 PM, at The University of Maryland Shore Medical Center, Easton Maryland. Perley was educated in the Kent County Public School system. He was a proud veteran. He entered into the United States Army on February 6, 1952, and earned the rank of Corporal. He was honorably discharged on January 16, 1954. On April 9, 1952, he married his hometown sweetheart, Doris Dorsey. Two children were reared within this union, Voncille and the late Edward “Bino” Butler. Perley was a devoted loving husband and father and enjoyed fulling his roles as helpmate and daddy. A preacher’s kid, Perley began attending church at Fountain United Methodist Church, now the New Christian Chapel of Love, as a child, with his parents and siblings. He was a dedicated lifelong member and served as a Trustee, assisting with renovations and up-keep in and around the church. He also served as church sexton, and grave digger until his health began to fail. Perley worked in construction. He was member of the Laborers Local 199 Union, in Wilmington, Delaware. He worked as a laborer for over 35 years and retired in 1982. After retiring, Perley stayed active. He continued working and found employment in and around the county. He worked as a gardener, for Mr. Bob Johnson, in the maintenance department at Heron Point Retirement Community and enjoyed cutting grass and light landscaping for family and friends in the community of Bigwoods. When his health began to decline and he no longer worked, he was enrolled in the Kent County Adult Day Care Program. Perley instantly took to the program. He enjoyed socializing and chatting with his fellow seniors and the staff. He engaged in the activities at the center and enjoyed several. He liked arts and crafts and day trips, but his favorite activity was dancing. Perley loved to dance! At the center, he developed a new found passion for dancing. He would be one of the first to head to the dance floor, to put down his moves, until his legs weakened. Perley was smart, witty and had a great sense of humor. He loved people and people loved him. While at Autumn Lake Nursing Home, he looked forward to receiving visitors. He appreciated visits from everyone that came to visit him, his Pastor, family and friends. He especially enjoyed the days when his cousin and best friend, Reverend Charles Ringgold stopped by to see him. Cousin Charles would read the Bible to him and together, they would discuss the scriptures. One of Perley’s greatest loves was spending time with his family. He assumed the role of family Patriarch and relished the attention and love that came with the title. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, nieces and cousins but, especially his nephews and great nephews. He had a special nickname for them “Tramp”. He would cheerfully greet them with, “Hey Tramp! What you doing?” He taught them to be good men, which included how to care for their families, keep their cars in good running condition and take care of business as men should. He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter, Voncille (James); five grandchildren, Nya Phillips, James Phillips III (Dawn), Damion Butler, Shamyia Butler and Sharay Butler; four great grandchildren; two sisters-in-love, Mrs. Betty Wallace and Mrs. Ardella Findley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and loving friends.

Perley Purnell Wallace

March 3, 1931 - April 29, 2020