F. Duke Perry

Franklin Duke Perry, 84, passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at The Retreat in Fishersville,VA.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Judy Hanger Perry of Raphine, VA; a son David Todd Perry; a daughter Whitney Eryn Perry and her husband, Matthew Pitonyak; a granddaughter Anna Kate Pitonyak, all of Blacksburg, VA; his brothers Donald Perry and wife Toni of Strausburg, VA, James Perry and his wife Susan of Hardy VA, and his sister Shirley Perry Hall of Vinton, VA.

Duke was born on May 23, 1939, in Burlington, NC to the late Marion Luther and Daphne Porterfield Perry.

He earned a bachelor's in business administration and an MBA from Virginia Tech. Duke enjoyed a career that spanned 37 years of service to higher education. Employed at Virginia Tech for 23 years, Duke began his career in 1967, working in both Alumni Relations and University Development. In 1985, he was appointed Associate Vice President for Development. Duke left Virginia Tech in 1990 to serve as the President and CEO of the Florida State University Foundation, and in 1993 he took the position of President of the George Mason University Foundation until 1998. From 1999 until his retirement in December 2006, Duke was the President and CEO of the West Virginia University Foundation. In 2006, he received the WVU President’s Distinguished Service Award, and CASE presented him with The Lifetime Service Award for his accomplishments, excellence, and leadership. In 2007, the West Virginia University Foundation created the F. Duke Perry Professorship of Leadership Studies in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences in his honor, and the Governor of West Virginia honored him with the Distinguished West Virginian Award for his outstanding achievement and meritorious service to the state. During his distinguished career, Duke served on committees of national fundraising and foundation organizations and as a consultant to universities, colleges, and hospitals.

Duke was an avid golfer, storyteller, gentleman farmer, and friend to all. Duke carried himself with a sincere and natural modesty but also had a great passion for his work and family. He was genuine, warm, and always quick with a smile and a joke. He was an incredibly supportive and loving husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A graveside service will be conducted on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 1:00 pm at New Providence Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Raphine, VA by Reverend Lauren Mitchell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Raphine Volunteer Fire Department (PO Box 142, Raphine, VA. 24472).