Charles F. Perry, Norfolk Destroyers

Charles Ferris Perry was born on October 30, 1932, in Georgia to William Hill Perry (1897-1936) and Lois A Nesmith (1911-2002). He attended Lanier High School, where he was a member of the 1951 state champion basketball team and also participated in various baseball leagues in Macon. During WWII, Charles served with the US Navy. He enlisted on October 16, 1951, and was discharged on September 28, 1955. He pitched for the Norfolk Destroyers in 1955, representing the Navy baseball team during his service. Afterward, Mr. Perry pursued a career in minor league baseball, spending two years, 1956 and 1957, with the St. Louis organization playing for teams affiliated with the St. Louis Cardinals organization in Fresno, California, and Albany, Georgia. Perry signed a contract with Allentown, PA in 1956 and played for teams in Fresno, CA, and Albany, GA, before being released in 1957. He unfortunately was involved in a car accident in the early 1970's, resulting in permanent disability.