Paul Delbert 'Buddy,' 'Swamp Dog' Perry

FREDERICA - Paul Delbert "Buddy," "Swamp Dog" Perry, of Frederica, passed away Sunday, June 15, 2008, in his home. He was 61.

Born on July 3, 1946, he was the third son of the late Amos and Bernice Perry.

Paul was educated at the Felton School (now Lake Forest area) and William Henry School, Dover.

He worked as a horse show groomer at Harrington Raceway.

Paul joined the U.S. Army and served three years in Vietnam where he received several Medals of Honor, and one as a sharpshooter.

After serving time in the army he earned the name "Swamp Dog."

He loved fishing, telling stories of the time spent in the military, spending time with family or his two devoted friends, Russell Elliott and Wilbur Tunnell with whom he shared many afternoons with under the tree listening to music.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, William Jones, Robert O. Perry, and Carlson Perry; and one sister, Barbara J. King, all of Frederica.

He leaves to cherish his memory four sons and a daughter-in-law, Paul (Sherita) Perry of Ellendale, Donald, LaMare, and LaMont Kiser, all of Dover; two daughters and a son-in-law, Victoria Hollingsworth of Wilmington, and Cierra (Andrew) Johnson of Jacksonville, Fla.; one stepdaughter and son-in-law, Tyesha (Clisston) Blackstock of Wilmington, with whom he lived for a short time; four sister and one brother-in-law, Catherine Wilson, Mildred Perry, Matilda (William) Hovington, all of Frederica, and Mary Hovington of Camden; two foster sisters, Josephine May of Frederica and Agnes Taylor of Houston; 24 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.