On June 8, 2026, Herbert Wayne Perry of Colerain, NC died peacefully in the arms of his Lara, wife and partner of 20 years, with two of their daughters by his side. Surrounded by the love he felt from his entire family, he was a noble man and a gentlemanly example to all who knew him.

H. Wayne was born January 7, 1948 near Colerain, NC. The eldest of 4 sons, he worked on the family farm growing tobacco, peanuts, and cotton and raising hogs and chickens and his brothers. He had special memories of his mammy Emmeline and said he learned everything about hard work from Woodrow Wilson Holley. Wayne was active in sports in High School, he excelled in his classwork, and left for NC State at 18, where he was a Sigma Nu. He put himself through college working at The Velvet Cloak as a night bookkeeper and selling suits during the day at The Stag Shop. The friends he made in college were life long friends. He became very successful in Mortgage Banking and held President and CEO titles at numerous companies, retiring from his 40 year career at Bank of America in 2021.

He will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Lara Anne Mijatovich; their collective children: daughters Courtney Perry and Keating Perry of Durham, NC, son Andrew Perry (Kat) of Martinez, CA, son Simon Mijatovich of San Francisco, CA, daughter Paris Parker (Ryan) of Wentzville, MO, and daughter Scarlett Mijatovich of Colerain, NC; grandchildren: Paige Lara Parker and Waylon Everett Parker, and Leland Ford Perry; brothers, James Michael Perry (Patsy), and Flint Wood Perry (Kathryn) of Colerain, NC; sister-in-law Jill Tadlock Perry and her sons, Brandon (Carson) and their son Hill, Justin Perry of Windsor, NC. Nephew Thad (Brooke) Perry and their sons, Payton and Bryson of Windsor, NC; many, many cousins including Buck (Kathy) Perry, Perry (Janet) Summner of Colerain. He was preceded in death by his parents Dan and Mary Perry of Colerain, NC,  his brother Danny Lynn Perry (Jill) of Windsor, NC and his first wife, Pamela Gourley Perry of Lafayette, CA.

He will also be dearly missed by Lara's entire family who unanimously agree that he was the finest man on Earth. Parents, Cindy Sharkey and George Wittler of Honolulu, HI. Sisters Amy (Jeremy) of St. George, Utah, Lisa (Mark) Pasin of Redmond, WA and their children and grandchildren who will never forget Uncle Wayne and his fish tacos at the beach.

Wayne had many stellar accomplishments which he would not want listed, but it's important to note that he loved everyone he knew and valued every relationship in his life. There is no better example of how to be a good man, he cared for everyone and expected nothing in return.

At Wayne's request, no service will be held. The family would love to see friends at their home in time.

Lara wishes to send a special thank you to Scarlett Mijatovich who was a full time caregiver for her Dad during the last year of his life, Thanks also to Gentiva Hospice of Williamston, NC and Walker Funeral Home, whose people were compassionate and kind in moments of darkness and struggle.

Wayne wanted to spend the rest of his days in Colerain, on the family farm and we are so happy he got to do that.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please develop awareness of Lewy Body Dementia and support the caregivers you know, for they are always working harder than anyone can ever imagine.