Member Profile  By James M. Godwin, Jr.

 May 22, 2006

Robert Lee Perry, III

Our fearless leader, Rapid Robert Perry, III, arrived in this world on November 7, 1941. This momentous happening occurred in Greenville (really Gritville), South Carolina. Let’s see. That makes him a youngster of about 65 years and an honest to goodness Confederate Flag waving Southerner.

As a youngster he spent a lot of time here in Bluefield. Although he went to school in Gritville, he passed most every summer here at his grandmother’s home. After he finished high school, he journeyed to Clinton, South Carolina to enroll in Presbyterian College. The following year he transferred to St. Andrews Presbyterian College at Laurinburg, North Carolina. In due time the St. Andrews folks grew weary of his presence, so they gave him a degree in business administration and sent him on his way.

Robert is very complimentary of his life long employer. He just bubbles over when he talks about the man. Come to think of it, he has always been his own boss. He was a real-estate broker and developer for many years down there in South Carolina. In fact, one of his hobbies is the renovation of older homes. Robert is the person who gave the old Clyde Bailey home a new lease on life.

Another of our subject’s hobbies is genealogy. He has done a magnificent job of producing an informative document about his own linage. Also he has done some historical studies about the Sanders, Easley and Bailey families. He says he is not in the business, however.

Robert is very serious about his church. He is a lifelong Presbyterian and is an Elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA). He is a member of First Presbyterian Church here in Bluefield.

This guy has been a real asset to our club. For a long, long time he maintained the club attendance records. Although it’s a tough job, Robert never flagged. His other assignments have included director, vice president, president-elect and now president. RR has also done yeoman duty in the District. He was of great help to District Governor John Beckett when John held his District Conference.

Robert says that the thing he likes the most about Rotary is the fellowship he finds each Tuesday when we meet. He did say that sitting by himself at the head table is x?*%#? of the worst kind, but that he thinks he can live through it.

He had a complaint. He pointed out that he loves being a Rotarian and he is all for Rotary’s worldwide charitable efforts, but why not do something here at home for the local folks who need help? Point well taken! Think about it. If the Rotary Club of Bluefield would cease operating tomorrow, would we be missed by the local citizenry?

Rapid Robert, we are glad you are a Rotarian — A Bluefield Rotarian.