On Oct. 14th, 2023, a beloved child of God, Lindsey “Perry” Lattimore, died at the age of 71. Born to the late Leonard and Laura Lattimore, Lindsey “Perry” Lattimore Sr. graduated from Morganton High school in Morganton, NC, North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and Appalachian State University. At NCCU he became a proud member of the Beta Phi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.
Perry established a vibrant career at J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center, formerly known as the Western Carolina Center, as a Special Education Teacher and Behavior Analyst. After dedicating 32 years to the State of North Carolina, he received the highest honor that one could receive by the Governor of NC; “The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award.” His wisdom lives on through scholarship articles co-published in the Medical Journals of Applied Behavior Analysis.
His greatest passion and God given gift was singing, producing, and writing music. He began performing on many stages beginning at a young age and consistently inspired people with his melodious and prophetic voice. In his late 20’s and 30’s he concentrated mainly on southern gospel music after joining the Gospel Enforcers and later branched off to continue a solo music ministry. Together the Gospel Enforcers produced multiple albums and shared the stage with well-known artist such as Shirley Caesar and the Mighty Clouds of Joy. Singing and ministering was one of his greatest joys and gifts to further the kingdom of God.
Perry was a lifelong faithful member of Slades Chapel AME Zion church, as his parents before him, and served in numerous capacities. He loves sports and enjoyed coaching and teaching the varied sports, especially to his children and grandchildren. He was a member of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association, where he officiated softball and football as a certified CIAA officiant.
While attending NCCU he met and married his college sweetheart the late Donna Ray (Lawson) Lattimore, together they had two children. When God called Donna home, Jan. 10th, 2014, it was a great loss. God knew his agony and sent him Isabell, who came into his life to care and love him unconditionally.
Linsdey “Perry” Lattimore, Sr. is preceded in death by his parents, the late Leonard and Laura Lattimore and wife Donna Ray Lawson Lattimore. He is survived by a wife Isabell Lattimore, of the home; a brother, Jodie Ervin (Lula); a son, Lindsey Perry Lattimore, Jr. (Katelyn) of Fort Mills, SC; a daughter, Rev. Dr. Phanta I. Lansden (Sean) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren, Alivia Lansden, Aria Lansden, Aryn Lansden, Huntington Lattimore, Whitaker Lattimore, and Collins Lattimore. He inherited a bonus family of three more children: Duane Goodwin, of Charlotte, Juwanna March of Morganton, and Jeffrey March of Pennsylvania, ten more grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, a special mother-in-law, Lena Graham, of Fayetteville, NC; sisters-in-law: Nadine Blake, Durham, NC; Roselyn Smith (Tony) of Georgia; Michele Baptist; and brothers-in-law: Clarence Baptiste of South Carolina; and Theodis Goodwin (Camille) of Fayetteville, NC and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends.
Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church, Morganton, NC, Saturday, Oct 21st, 2023, at 12noon, with visitation at 11am. Rev. Stephen Wingate and Rev. Dr. Phanta I. Lansden will be officiating. A burial will follow in the Olive Hill Cemetery.
The service will be live-streamed beginning at 11:50 a.m., on the Facebook page of First United Methodist Church Morganton (https://www.facebook.com/fumcmorganton) or YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@firstumcmorganton9267/streams).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Slades Chapel AME Zion Church, P.O. Box 2385, Morganton, NC 28680.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Lindsey “Perry” Lattimore.
Under God's infinite graceful mercy your beloved Precious Perry will surely rest in peace. So very sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. May God's loving grace give you peace and comfort in the difficult days ahead. Keeping you all in loving prayers.
Dear Lattimore Family, I was so sorry to learn of Perry’s passing. When I was in high school, I got to know Perry through the band that he was in with my boyfriend at the time, Bill Covington. Later, my father, Dr. Iverson Riddle, would keep me up on Perry’s good works at Western Carolina Center (now, JIRDC). I have known few people who made such a “joyful noise unto the Lord.” Marsha Riddle, my father’s wife, told me that First Methodist had never so rocked as in his honor. This good, kind man will be much missed but will so liven up the heavens. Holly Riddle
My heart hurts but I know you’re at peace now. No more pain. I could never thank you enough for all you’ve done and the impact you made while doing it. Thank you for showing my granny the correct way to love. I inspire to have a relationship like you guys. We talked about taking the boat out this summer if you didn’t want to see me drive that bad you could’ve just said that but hopefully I can still take it out when it gets back hot. And don’t you worry I’ll still be buying you that bronco blue and white go broncos. Love you Mr P I know you’re dancing and singing with the angels. Till we meet again
The tribute that Bill Covington wrote was very touching and thought provoking. I remember the band "Sounds of Soul" very well too with Perry Lattimore as the lead singer. They were all of that in some of the Nations turbulent times. They truly showed what we could do working together. Perry was my friend, invited me and my cousin Leroy to his homecoming at Central. Treated us well!! I believe in my heart that that he's truly at peace waiting on his turn to lead the Heavenly choir!! SIHP brother Lindsey Perry Lattimore, SIHP
My condolence to the family I pray that they find comfort and solace in the words of the Lord🙏
To God be the glory, you have have just beat us to the Kingdom, but remember you can't crown him till I get there. Rest in Peace 🙏 Sincerely. Robert Henry and Family
With condolences.
I love you big bro, you made me wanna song, you made me wanna go to Central. You made me want to play football and pledge Omega Psi Phi You, your mom and dad made me and Maurice feel very special and loved. Rest in Peace cuz, although I’m sure you’ll be serenading the angels all the while. One love forever. Robert McDaniel and family.
I worked with Perry in the Dogwood Resource Center at J. Iverson Riddle Developmental Center, for many years. He was a sweetheart, with a beautiful singing voice, and a great smile. I fondly remember being part of the Barry White backup singers for the American Bandstand show one year, put on for the residents. Perry made the perfect Barry White!! He will be missed!! RIP my dear friend. I'm sure you are singing in the heavenly choir. My condolences to the family. With love and prayers.