Obituary

Walter Samuel Perry was born in Birmingham, Alabama on January 26, 1941, to Martha E. Perry and James S. Perry. Walter was welcomed into the family by a big sister, Jimmie Gwendolyn Perry and big brother, William James Perry. A few years later a younger brother, George W. Perry, whom Walter loved dearly, joined the family.

Walter confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord as a young child at Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church, located on the Southside of Birmingham. He later joined Peace Baptist Church where his father, James Perry was pastor and was a member of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church until 1986 when he joined Producing Faith Church in Homewood.

Walter was educated in the Birmingham City School system, starting at Washington and Centre Street schools and graduating from Samuel Ullman High School in May 1958. He joined the Birmingham Transit Authority shortly after it integrated in 1962. Walter worked his way up from bus driver to Director of Transportation in 1985. He went on to receive many certificates, awards and recognition in transportation, while encouraging others to excel.

A quiet hush fell over our family on September 4, 2026, as Walter breathed his last breath. The voice that instructed us, admonished us, comforted us and guided us fell silent. He looked well to the ways of his family, encouraging us to trust God, to pray, to save for the future and saying to anybody leaving his home, “The angels go before you.”

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Rose S. Perry; sons, Walter S. Perry (Ashlie), Charles D. Wheeler; daughter, Katrina S. Jennings (Paul); granddaughters, Kristina Jennings, Kelisha Jennings, Caryn Monday (Quadarius), and Lauryn Wheeler and four great granddaughters. He also leaves behind many, many nephews, nieces.