ELDER ANDREW J. "A.J." PERRY, 75, of East Lynn, W.Va., departed this earthly life on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. A.J. was born November 2, 1947, a son of the late Pansy Clay Perry and Walter Lake Perry. Also preceding him in death was one precious daughter, Clara Jane Perry Carter; two infant grandbabies, Savannah and Nathan; one daughter-in-law Diana Marie Harmon Perry; special in-laws, Sampson and Ella Blankenship; and siblings Vernon, Eloise, Lessie, Sam, Robert, infant brothers, Marion, Marshall, and James.

A.J. gave his life to The Lord Jesus Christ in July of 1977. He was an ordained minister and served as pastor for the Bethlehem United Baptist Association for 42 years, and the pastor of Booten Miller's Fork United Baptist Church where he was also a member.  Additionally, he worked for Local Union 543 in Huntington.  A.J. was a faithful servant to his community and a loyal friend to all who needed him.

He is survived by the love of his life, Beverly Blankenship Perry to whom he was married for over 53 years.  Together they have five wonderful children, John Andrew, Matthew, Monica, Savannah, and Mia Bella; eight grandchildren, Brian, Kaley, Meranzy, Izabella, Aaron, Mahayla, JT, and David; one great grandchild Anthony; seven siblings Bernard, Herman, Siebern, Walter Jr, Erma, Ralph and Sally; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Greg Carico, and Dr. Matias Valsecchi, for the wonderful care they provided their daddy.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Johnson Tiller Funeral Home, with Pastor Jason McComas officiating with help from Brother Sam Perry and Brother Jimmy Lester.  Burial will follow in the Watson Cemetery, Branchland, W.Va. Visitation will begin at noon.