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.
my prayers are with the family of Perry, I knew him and His parents when my Father was pastoring Slades Chapel the Late Rev. James L.Hunt. I have many memories of going over to Perry's house and playing basketball, Also I use to shine shoes in his dad's barber shop May the peace and comfort of God be with you. for perry is now at his eternal home with the Lord.
Loved his singing and was a great guy to work with he will be missed
Sending my most heartfelt sympathy to Phanta, Len, Isabell and the rest of the family. 🙏🏽
Perry and I have been friends for many years; we spent a lot of happy times travelling with our band The Sounds of Soul in the late 60's during high school. This was a show band covering the music of James Brown, Motown and Stax. We had 3 singers out front: Perry on most lead vocals, Andrew on the high Smokey Robinson parts, and Sparky on the rougher bluesy tunes. Andrew's brother Leroy was our funky bass player, and he could dance like James Brown. The horn section was Eric and John; the rhythm section was Jimmy, Carl, Leroy and me. Perry and the guys sang and danced, we backed them up, and we worked frat parties and dances from Alabama to Georgia to Washington DC. We were an integrated band of brothers with a mission of music and celebration. I'll never forget those days.
I love you big bro. You made me wanna sing, you made me want to go to Central. You made me want to play football, and pledge Omega Psi Phi. You your Mom and Dad always made me and Maurice feel very special and much loved. Rest In Peace Cuz Although I’m sure you will be serenading the Angels all the while. One Love Forever. Robert McDaniel and Family.
May the love of God be with you through this difficult time. Special prayers and heartfelt condolences to Isabell, Lin, Phanta and grandchildren. Weeping may endure for a night, BUT joy comes in the morning! God bless you all! The Cannons & Bowlings
My heart is broken to learn of Perry’s passing. I came to know Perry when he sang with a band comprised of John Entzi, Carl Kirksey, Eric Petrie, & Bill Covington. Perry was the sweetest person. He did have a God given talent for singing. I fondly referred to him as Burke County’s own Barry White. I know he is heaven singing up a storm. Perry you will be missed. Sending all my love to you and your family.
My condolences to the Family, God Bless and much love ❤️ Vanya McElrath
God needed another voice in the choir, and he chose one of the best baritones that Morganton ever produced. He was family, and friend! My Prayers go up for his children Grandchildren and friends which I was lucky enough to be one! Rest well my friend!