James Perry Wardrup

James Perry Wardrup, long-time resident of the no-man’s land between Rockledge and Shady Grove, was the third son born to Vann and Evelena Hathcock Wardrup. Perry was born just before midnight on November 23, 1943, although his birth certificate recited November 24—thus beginning a lifelong distrust of government statistics. Perry passed from this life on May 12, 2024, and was preceded in death by his parents and by his two older brothers, Vandell Wardrup and Daniel “Boone” Wardrup, mother-in-law Ruby Walker Smith, father-in-law R.E. Langley, and his sister-in-law Joyce Greenhaw, while his baby brother Frank (Annette) Wardrup grieves his passing, as do his surviving sisters-in-law Shirley Wardrup and Deanna Wardrup, as well as his brothers-in-law Mike Langley and Norris Greenhaw, and his beloved nieces and nephews. Perry graduated Etowah High School in 1961 and immediately joined the Air Force where he served for four years overseas. Upon his return home, he pursued two long-term relationships. The first was with the phone company (Southern Bell back then) where he worked as a lineman and then in the office for over 40 years, building a catalog of tall tales and forming friendships he treasured to the end. The second was with Nina Langley, who made him work even harder before agreeing to marry him and doing so on May 20, 1967. Perry and Nina spent the next 57 years raising two kids—Mark (Tara) Wardrup and Alyssa (John) Ross—and battling together every challenge life threw their way. They practiced on Mike Langley first and so were ready for the rigors of parenthood. Mike’s invaluable help allowed them to navigate the last few years of travel for treatments and doctor visits; they could not have done it without him. Nina survives Perry now as evidence of how a strong, faithful woman can completely shelter the life of the man she loves. Perry could fix anything, could tell a story, and could sing every song Hank Williams ever recorded. He loved to garden, enjoyed fishing and hunting, and had a bit of a fetish for cornbread and all things pickled. Perry leaves a trail of God-provided medical miracles in his file too long to list, including surviving a massive heart attack in his mid-40’s, a year spent living on an L-VAD, and the incredible gift of a heart transplant in 2011. He never quit. Perry was a stubborn, honorable man who saw his life as more than his own. He especially treasured his extended family and his 42 years of July 4th celebrations with them were touchstones. His grandkids--Mallie, Meg (Chris), Sadie, Callie Jo, and Orrin--could do no wrong in his eyes and were his pride and his joy. With age came a deeper appreciation for how well the Lord had blessed him in his friends and family. Perry leaves a legacy of grins and laughter, tender affection, and the kind of determination that refuses to concede defeat (or concede much of anything else, truth be told). He now has the ultimate victory in Christ, and we are emboldened to face our own battles in the reflection of his enduring example. Please consider being an organ donor and remember Perry’s donor family in your prayers as you also remember our family. The gift they gave us was beyond price. “The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.” Prov. 20:7. There will be a graveside service at 12:00 noon, Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in the Egypt community. Rev. Mike Goforth will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be his family and friends. The family will accept friends from 9:30 until 11:30 before the service at Etowah Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate in memory of Perry to Shepherd’s Cove Hospice (which can be done by visiting shepherdscove.org). Etowah Memorial Chapel Directing

James Perry Wardrup

November 24, 1943 - May 12, 2024