Elmo Perry, Jr.

Elmo Perry Jr. was born Sunday, January 4, 1953 to the union of Elmo Perry Sr. and Mary Louise (Austin) Perry in Brownsville, Tennessee (Haywood County). Elmo Perry Jr. left us on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 peacefully in his sleep of natural causes.  At an early age the Perry family relocated from Brownsville, Tennessee to South Bend, Indiana.  Elmo attended the following Schools Harrison and Perley Elementary and received his diploma from Washington High School.

Elmo leaves to cherish his memory his father Elmo Perry Sr. of South Bend, IN sisters Verna (Frank) Jackson-Pasley and Angela (Howard) Davidson both of South Bend, IN; children Taniesha Perry-Davis, Marcus Walker, Damian (Stephanie) Newhouse, all of South Bend, IN Monecka Perry, Adrian Perry both of Silver Springs, MD; 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; uncle Tommy (Gloria) Austin of Lafayette, IN  a special cousin/sister Beverly Perry, South Bend, IN along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews.

He was preceded in death by his Mother Mary Louise Austin-Perry, son Delano Diggins, daughters Shamarra Perry and Shervella Perry, Son in Law Terry Davis Sr., both maternal grandparents Lawrence C. (Princess A.) Austin; both paternal grandparents Green (Minnie L.) Perry Sr., Uncle and Aunt Green (Sadie) Perry, Uncle and Aunt Charles (Reba) Kendall.

He accepted Christ at an early age of 7 and baptized at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church and later became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ as an adult.  Elmo was a musician he played (lead and bass) guitar, organ, piano and key boards. He has played at various churches (New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, Progressive Missionary Baptist Church, The Church of Jesus Christ) just to mention a few.  Elmo was naturally musically talented. He started his professional training on the piano at the age of 6 and by the age of 7 he taught himself to play the lead and bass guitar, organ and key board. By the age of 15 Elmo was playing professionally with local bands. His musical career took off at 17.  His father Elmo Perry Sr. had to sign off when he started traveling the world touring with the Soul Sounds. He served his country during the Vietnam War by playing for the USO and received the honorary title of Lieutenant.  His band was the opening act for Sly and the Family Stones, Sister Sledge; Dramatics just to name a few. When he returned from the Vietnam War he joined the group The Four Wonders and recorded Just Looking For My Love and Haven’t We Been Good for Each Other.  When the Four Wonders split Elmo played with other local bands - the Majorettes with George Maher and the Rob Reproduction Band.

 Elmo was affectingly known as Mo, Butch, Junior and EP. Elmo also worked at Perry Auto Transmission with his Uncle Green Perry and his father Elmo Perry Sr.  Elmo also worked for Eli Lilly and Company. He enjoyed spending time with his family, friends and playing his music.  He had a kind and gentle spirit. He would give you the shirt off his back.

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