BLUEFIELD, Va. — Peery Bernard Blackwell, 86, of Westwood Health Care Center, Bluefield, Va. and formerly of Bluefield, died Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2009 at Bluefield Regional Medical Center. He was born in Bluefield, Va. and was a son of the late John Harvey Blackwell and Pearl Lampert Blackwell. He was a graduate of Graham High School in 1940 and McLain’s Business College, Class of 1942.

He entered the service in 1943 and was a member of the U.S. Medical Corp, serving with the 221st General Hospital with the rank of T/5 in Chalch Sur Marne, France, where he was awarded a Bronze Star and a Meritorious Service Award for his participation in the Battle of Rhineland. After service, he attended Little French Beauty Academy and was a graduate of M. Louis School of Advanced Hair Design in New York City. On his return to Bluefield, he became an instructor at Little French Beauty Academy before opening his own shop, Hair Fashions by Peery. Peery was a well known hairdresser in Bluefield for over 50 years. He served as president of the WVA Cosmetologist of WVA Region 7, which included seven states including Washington, D.C. After retiring, he worked his last years at Ms/His Hair Salon.

He was one of the founders of the well known Summit Players where he served as its president for 20 years and was active on stage as well as off during his tenure as president. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Bluefield and a member of the Bluefield Elks Lodge.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his companion of over 50 years, Gene Basham; brothers, Lawrence and Clyde Tibbs and Sammy Joe and Anthony Blackwell and Buford “Boots” Blackwell; and a sister, Ethel Tibbs Smith.

Survivors include a sister-in-law, Vickie Blackwell; nieces and nephews; and double first cousins and other cousins; special friends, Kathy, Lena and Mary Epperly.

At his request, he has been cremated. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009 at 7 p.m. at the Dudley Memorial Chapel in Bluefield, Va. with the very Rev. Michael Snider, II officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christ Episcopal Church, 200 Duhring St., Bluefield, WV 24701.

Dudley Memorial Mortuary of Bluefield, Va. is serving the Peery Bernard Blackwell family.

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