Mr. Stephen Phillip Perrou, Jr. 80 of Rutherford College, passed away on Tuesday June 13, 2023 at UNC Blue Ridge, Morganton, after a period of declining health.
Mr. Perrou was born May 22, 1943 in Burke County, a son of the late Stephen Phillip Perrou, Sr. and Lora English Perrou. Steve was a member of the Waldensian Presbyterian Church, Lovelady Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Oasis Temple and East Burke Shrine Club. He served his country as a member of the US Air Force. He retired as a electrical foreman at the Alba Waldensian and taught electrical contracting at Catawba Valley Community college. He was a loving husband, father, grand-father and great grand-father.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Stephen Phillip Perrou, III, a daughter, Felicia Michelle Helmstetter, grandsons, Joshua Tyler Bolden and Dominic Stroupe; and sister, Joan Leonhardt.
Surviving are his wife of almost 60 years, Faye Prestwood Perrou of the home, a son, Jonathan Perrou (Kim) of Icard, a daughter, Lynn Branch (Phil) of Morganton, a brother, Tony Perrou of Calif. Also surviving are the apples of his eye, his grandchildren, Dustin Thompson, Brandon, Thompson,Lora Perrou, Sierra Bolden, Lora Perrou, Donovan Smith, Rheannan Smith, Austin Helmstetter and great-grandchildren, Shelbi Thompson, Kyleigh Thompson, and Weston Thompson.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday June 18, 2023 at 3:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service, Valdese, with Rev. Dr. Lance Perry and Rev. Phil Branch officiating. Interment will follow with Military Honors provided by the United States Air Force and the Caldwell County Honor Guard and Masonic Rites in the Waldensian Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 2 until 3:00 P.M. Sunday at Heritage Funeral Service, Valdese.
Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Childrens Hospital, 604 Doug Mayes Pl.,
Charlotte, NC 28262.
An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.heritagefuneralservices.com.
A very, very good buddy, and roomate while serving in the USAF Vietnam Era.
He talked a lot about the time you spent together and thought the world of you.
Sorry to hear about Steve he was a very kind man that loved his family and was devoted to them .He will be greatly missed.He was certainly one of the good ones. Love you all Gayle andPatrick Frye
Praying for the whole family! Never had a chance to meet him but I have met some of the family and I k ow through them he was a great man! SHMILY AND LOVE YALL!
Praying for your family. Always enjoyed seeing you both at WPC. Love Jane Perrou Pope
My heart breaks for Faye, Lynn, Jonathan and the grandkids. Tevy was my second father and one of the most influential figures in my life. His stories were legendary and I never got tired of hearing them. He loved his family fiercely and his faith was unwavering. The only piece of comfort I get from his passing is that Felicia has her Daddy with her again. He was always her biggest fan and the fact that they’re together again in Heaven — with no sickness or limitations — surrounded by light and love brings me peace.
Dear Faye, I am so sad you have lost the love of your life.. you two were the Best. You both are so blessed… was one of a kind, he adored you, as you did him… to having the wonderful life God gave you both… I thank God for you two….
I love you, Claudette