Perry McClain Smith was born to Sarah and Joe McClain Smith on October 26, 1947, in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. His family later relocated to San Diego, California. Perry took an early love for having God in his life.
Perry attended his former years of school at Emerson Elementary. He excelled as a student and later graduated from San Diego High School with honors.
After graduating, Perry went to work at the naval shipyard on 32nd Street in San Diego throughout his young adulthood. Upon his exit from the shipyard, he worked hard again in his passion and love of landscaping yard work, keeping so many people satisfied in the Lincoln Park area, where he resided.
Back in 1965, he was one of the best-dressed young black men in town. He would be sharp from head to toe, suited and booted, driving his Cadillac around the neighborhood. He kept it as clean as he kept himself and at all times. Perry had the ladies lined up to ride around with him. He was well known in that Cadillac, especially when he drove it back in the day to the famous Ocean View Park.
Perry was also known as the best handyman in town fixing and making things work with his mechanical hands. Perry also enjoyed helping out older people that couldn’t do work for themselves.
Perry was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on January 13, 2023. He was the youngest of five children and the last man standing in his generation of our family.
Perry was preceded in death by both parents; his only son Raymond Perry Smith; three sisters; and one brother.
Perry leaves to cherish his memory a host of family members and friends, which still reside in San Diego.
Perry will have no more pain, only peace, and newfound happiness. One of his favorite parts of prayer was, “the Lord is my Shepherd,” he knows he is in a safe place now.
