Royce D. Perdew, 90, a resident of The Villages for 22 years passed away on Dec. 28.
He’s survived by his wife, Shirley Perdew, sons David, Jeff, Rick, and Joe Perdew and daughter Kristy (Perdew) Day.
Royce was a charter member of New Covenant United Methodist Church. He was very active in the Wildwood Food Pantry, NCUMC Helping Hands program, and the church Sunday School class. Retired from Chrysler Corp, he loved playing with friends on various Villages golf courses.
Royce’s true legacy was as a loving husband who brought his wife flowers every Friday for nearly 69 years and held hands with her right up to the end of a long illness. Neighbors, friends and family saw Royce as a true example of generosity and love.
The funeral will be at the New Covenant United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2nd. Visitation will start at 10 a.m. and a reception will follow the service.
Born in 1929, he was just slightly too young to go to war, but at 17 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps – that was 1946. And he went to Japan right away as part of the occupation forces post war to help rebuild Japan.
Royce is the third of 8 boys born southern Kentucky. His older two brothers, Hugh and Johnnie, both served during the war. Younger brothers Quentin and Ronald served in the Navy and Air Force. His youngest brother Landon, now living in The Villages too, served in the Air Force in Japan much later.
Royce believed in family, work and responsibility. His humility grew as the years passed along with his faith. Royce was a cheerleader for The Villages. He was so proud of the growth. He always wanted to show everyone the new houses and developments when people visited.
Royce also loved his Tuesday morning men’s breakfast at New Covenant United Methodist Church consistently and loved working in the kitchen serving and washing dishes for the 200 weekly members.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to New Covenant United Methodist Church, 3470 Woodridge Dr, The Villages, FL 32162. ATTN: Helping Hands or Wildwood Food Pantry.