Virgil Sperry

VIRGIL RAY SPERRY

LaFayette, Ga.

Virgil Ray Sperry, 74, of LaFayette, Ga., passed away in his sleep early Friday, March 11, 2016, within weeks of a diagnosis of melanoma.

Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1942, he graduated from Washington High School in 1960 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy later that same year. He was stationed at Naval Submarine Base Groton, Conn., where he met and married Karen Cecilia Moore of Salem, Conn., in 1964. Serving as nuclear Machinist Mate, he attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer and CW2 before his separation.

He worked as a plant manager in the plastics industry for nearly 30 years before he and Karen went into business for themselves.

He and his family have lived and traveled extensively around the world. Virgil was instrumental to the success of many groups: USS Carbonero Base Submarine Veterans Association, North Georgia Animal League, Paws to Read at Lafayette-Walker Co. Public Library, Walker County Development Authority, Northwest Georgia Regional Commission and Georgia Highway 27 Association.

He was preceded by his father, Clyde Oliver Sperry, who died in France serving in World War II; his mother, Madeline Marie Griffin Sperry of Cedar Rapids; and a sister, Alice Faye Sperry.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; his son, Adam Del Sperry and husband Marwick Kane of Los Angeles, Calif.; his daughter, Cynthia Luella Sperry of Washington, D.C.; his sister, Shirley Jean Sperry Feiereisen and husband Robert of Walford, Iowa; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Burial will be in Chattanooga National Cemetery at 9:15 a.m. April 22. All are warmly welcomed to attend.

Donations to Sarah Cannon Research Institute are preferred in lieu of flowers.

Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette, Ga.