George A. Perry Sr., entered into rest on June 9, 2017 in Manteca, Ca. He was born in Oakland on November 13, 1918. In heaven he joins his beloved parents Delphino and Mary Perry, his only brother Arthur Perry, grandson First Freddy Mullen and son-in-law Fred Mullen. 

Mr. Perry is survived by his loving wife Violet Perry of 75 years, children; Carolyn Mullen, Art Perry (Dianne), George Perry Jr. (Gail) and David Perry. He felt truly blessed to have nine wonderful grandchildren; Stacy Mullen, Shelly (John) Losoya, Fred Mullen Jr., Sherry (Ray) Azevedo, Ron (Linda) Perry, Karen (Joe) Widmer, Rob Perry, Amy Perry and George M. Perry and adored his 16 great grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren.

George grew up in Manteca where he attended Manteca High School. He was the founder of George Perry & Sons where he was a life-long Farmer and watermelon salesman. He was a strong believer of putting God first, family, and then work. He was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church where he was a past active member of the YMI and enjoyed attending Sunday morning Mass with his wife and family. Building relationships were very significant in George’s life, where he never met a stranger; your word followed by a hand shake was your contract. George was heavily involved with many community organizations; including; serving with San Joaquin County Fair where he sat on the board of directors for many years, a devoted member of the FESM where he was past president twice and a life-long director, and a member committed member of the MRPS. He was inducted into the Manteca Hall of Fame in 1999, San Joaquin County Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2006, and has received many awards with the National Watermelon Association and Western Watermelon Association. In addition, George has appeared in numerous newspapers, TV shows, and magazine articles about watermelons and pumpkins including being recognized in 1982 "People" magazine as the "Pumpkin King." Above all of George’s accomplishments, he felt his true gift was the gift of family. He and his wife Violet were a perfect team throughout their 75 years together; they loved each other unconditionally. George never lost sight of quality of time vs quantity of time when spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. He was quoted in many articles passionately stating “we’re all about family” and he truly meant what he said. George left a legacy of love, respect, integrity and strong ethical principles which will be passed down for generations to come. He will be deeply missed by all who loved and cared for him.

P.L. Fry & Son is honored to be serving the Perry family. Visitation will be on Thursday, June 15, 2017 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., held at P.L. Fry & Son 290 N. Union Rd. Manteca. Following the visitation a rosary/vigil will be at 7:00 p.m. held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church 525 E. North St.Manteca. A mass will be on Friday, June 16, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. also held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. He will be laid to rest at a later date in a private family burial at San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery- Stockton. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to a charity of choice. An online guest book is available for condolences atwww.plfryandson.com