Perry Rufus Leazer

Perry Rufus Leazer passed away peacefully on February 26 at the VA hospital in Charleston at the age of 93.

He was a native of Salisbury, NC and graduated from Price High School. Perry did not seek power or fame but was determined to become successful in life. While in high school he became the first Black disc jockey at the WSAT Radio Station in Salisbury. After graduating from high school, Perry became a freshman at Livingstone College in Salisbury. He completed the freshman year but did not have the funds to continue so he enlisted in the Navy in order to secure the benefits to fund his college degree. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from North Carolina Central University and his Masters Degree in Business Administration from the same University. Post graduate work was completed at New York University and Carnegie in Mellon Pittsburgh, PA.

Perry’s career in higher education and the corporate world span many years, serving as accounting professor at Kentucky State University, marketing and accounting professor at South Carolina State College, public relations director at Fayetteville State University, accountant at Rohm and Haas Company in Bristol, PA; and Director of Development and University Relations at Winston-State University. 

In 2008, during retirement, Perry and his wife Bonnie moved to Charleston. Determined to remain active in the community he volunteered his service on the Charleston Educational Excellence (CEEFC) Finance Committee and the Charleston County School District. He became president of this committee and served for several years. For many years prior to and during retirement Perry served on the Selective Service Board and received many appreciation awards. 

Perry was a lifelong cradle Episcopalian who dearly loved his church. After moving to Charleston he and his wife Bonnie became members of Old St. Andrews Parish Church where he served as a usher. They later became members of Grace Church Cathedral where Perry continued his service as a usher. 

Perry loved to play golf. Having caddied at the Salisbury County Club during his youth he learned how to play and enjoyed many hours on the golf course with friends. He was also a good photographer and supplemented his income by taking pictures at weddings and high school proms. A kind and generous man, Perry was always willing to help others when they needed it. 

Perry was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Dora Leazer; two sisters, Helen and Irene; and four brothers, Leon, JC, Anthony and Harry. He is survived by his wife Bernice (Lady Bonnie) Pearson Leazer; son, Ervin Fitzgerald Leazer; and daughter, Lana Lee Leazer, both of Winter Park, FL; niece, Dora Wood; nephews, Michael Protho, Anthony Leazer, and Troy Leazer of Salisbury, NC; and many other cousins and friends.

Family, friends, and former associates are invited to attend a Celebration of Life reception at the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., West Ashley Chapel, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway, Charleston on Monday evening, March 3, from 5 to 7 pm. Per Perry’s final wishes there will be no funeral. He will be cremated and his ashes spread at his favorite golf course in Pinehurst, North Carolina. 

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. West Ashley Chapel.

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