Christopher Ryan Perri

Christopher Ryan Perri, 34, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on January 8, 2021 after a courageous seven-month battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). He was born in Morehead City, NC to Lori Shadday and William Perri on September 3, 1986. Chris was a graduate of East Carolina University and a proud Pirate. He was employed as a Financial Advisor with PNC. 

Chris was an adoring father to two beautiful children, Wiggs (6) and Ann Carlyle (4). He was a loving and devoted husband who found true joy in his family. Chris was an avid outdoorsman; he enjoyed hunting but was happiest when he was fighting a blue marlin offshore. Chris was selfless and kind; genuine and loyal; dapper and witty. Above all, Chris’ faith was the cornerstone of his life. His faith never wavered during his battle with AML, often reassuring family and friends that his illness, though it may not be what we want, was part of God’s plan. He firmly believed that if his cancer journey led one person to know Christ then it was all worth it. When Chris took part in a clinical trial this past Fall, he said that if the trial did not work but what the trial teams learned from him helped others, then it would be worth it; that’s the kind of man Chris was – always thinking of others. He lived out his faith, continuing to put others before himself even in his final days. Chris has touched countless lives through his cancer journey, sharing the love of Christ and strengthening the faith of others.  

Preceded in death by; his maternal grandfather, Larry Pittman; paternal grandmother, Charlene Perri; stepgrandmother, Betty Shadday; stepgrandparents, J.C. and Lois Sherrill.

Chris is survived by his wife, Stephanie Perri; son, Wiggs Perri; daughter, Ann Carlyle Perri; mother and stepfather, Lori and Marvin Shadday; father and stepmother, William and Ruamie Perri; sisters, Emily Mancini and husband John, Mallory Gilvin and husband Nick, and Ashley Perri; maternal grandmother, Linda Pittman; paternal grandfather, Frank Perri; step-grandfather Marvin Shadday; in-laws, Mary Carlyle and Steve Brown; sister-in-law, Meredith Monger and husband Charles; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, a niece and dear friends. 

Due to COVID-19, a private celebration of Chris’ life will be held at 2pm on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Hayes Barton Baptist Church. The service will be live streamed on the church’s website (http://hbbc.org/memorial-services) for family and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make contributions to UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Leukemia and Lymphoma Fund (https://unclineberger.org; fund number 373855) where the monies will be used by Chris’ brilliant oncologist and his colleagues to further developments in Leukemia research and treatments. Contributions may also be made to  The Men’s Study, a part of Finding Purpose Ministries (http://findingpurpose.net), an organization Chris held dearly and that helped him grow in his faith.                       

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