Ernest Lee Perdue, Sr.

Ernest “Shake” Lee Perdue, Sr. was born August 30, 1947 to Willie MacGray and Emmett Perdue, who preceded him in death. A loving stepmother, Nellie Perdue, and a brother, Lee Perdue also preceded him in death.

Ernest was educated in the Lowndes County School System; after graduating, he joined the United States Army. After being discharged he moved to Birmingham, Alabama where he met and married the love of his life, Wanda.

Ernest confessed Christ at an early age and joined Antioch Methodist Church in Fort Deposit, Alabama. Years later, he joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Harold Grier. It was under his leadership that Ernest was trained and ordained as a Deacon. He later faithfully served as Head Deacon until his death.

Ernest’s job as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic gave him the opportunity to work for many companies for over forty years. He devoted the last ten years of employment to United Rentals following his employment with Superior Vault. Deacon Perdue also retired from the United States Army Reserve.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory: a devoted wife of forty-seven years, Wanda Perdue; three sons, Tressun (Carmelita) Daniels of Montgomery, Alabama, Carl (Lisa) Winters of Sterling, Michigan, and Ernest Lee Perdue, Jr. of Birmingham, Alabama; a special granddaughter, Khadjah Winters, whom he raised as the daughter he never had. Khadjah and Papa shared an unbreakable bond as only dad and daughter knew. Deacon Perdue also leaves behind nine grandchildren, De’Yonica, Tacarra, Aaliyah, Kenny, De’Aruis, De’Marcus, Ja’vonte’ and Jacorey who fondly called him Papa; his mother, Willie Mae Gray; four sisters, Julie (Marco) Marine of Clairmont, Florida, Bobbie Jean (John) Davis, Anette (George) Yeldell and Janice Perdue, all of Birmingham, Alabama; five brothers, James (Debra) Gray, Steve (Juanita) Perdue, David Perdue, Mickey Gray and LaDarren Perdue, all of Birmingham, Alabama; four aunts and a host of other relatives and friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ernest Lee Perdue, Sr., please visit our floral store.