Merlin Foster Perry "The Greenway Guy", age 89, of Lenoir passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025. He was born on the family farm in Adair Community of Madison County, TN on February 23, 1936 to the late Winston Tucker and Virginia Barksdale Perry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Martha J. Fesmire.

Merlin is survived by his wife, Judy, of the home; two sons: John Perry and wife, Lisa, of Abingdon VA, and Robert Perry and wife, Robin, of Portland OR; and two very special grandchildren, Ben Perry and Clara Perry.

Merlin served in the Army from 1956 to 1959 in the Armored Training Division at Ft. Knox, KY. He then joined Magnavox Company in Ft. Wayne, IN, and in 1962 was transferred to Greeneville, TN. In 1972 Merlin started at Champion International, in Drexel, NC and the family moved to Lenoir. Several years later he joined MDI in Hickory as Information Systems Director and retired from the company in 1994. Merlin served Caldwell County as the Assistant Manager and Manager until 1997.

Merlin was a graduate of WCU and The School of Government in Chapel Hill. His civic involvements were many, including serving on the Boards of Friends of Wilson Creek, NC Rail-Trials, Caldwell County Pathways, WPCOG, CofC Tourism and Advisory, and the Caldwell County Social Services Board. In 2005 Merlin was elected to the Lenoir City Council and subsequently served 8 years. He was an active member of First Baptist Church and served as Sunday School class president.

He was one of nine men who played tennis at the Wilson or Crowell Court and after only a short time Merlin considered himself a "semiprofessional". Though not internationally known, that did not stop the group, especially Merlin, from acting the part.

When not traveling or working Merlin enjoyed swimming at the Lenoir Aquatic and Fitness Center, and he remained active with the swim aerobics group until recently.

In retirement, Merlin and his wife Judy traveled all over the United States with their bicycles, finding and riding every greenway or trail that they could find. Several trips to Europe involved cycling with family and dear friends. There was not a trail that Merlin did not enjoy riding or reading about. Senior games were always a Spring highlight along with playing croquet, bicycling, and swimming. His most treasured achievement was the Lenoir Greenway, having spent much of his retirement working to acquire grants to improve and lengthen sections or build new additions. He worked constantly to petition the city for more greenway connections to fulfill his long term dream of making Lenoir a "walkable" city. Ultimately he wished to leave this corner of the world a little better for others and hoped that everyone would enjoy the Lenoir Greenway.

A celebration of life is planned at First Baptist Church on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM and the family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 to 2:00 PM. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Amorem (Hospice) at 902 Kirkwood St. NW, Lenoir, NC or the First Baptist Church Love Fund at 304 Main St., Lenoir, NC.

Online condolences can be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Perry family.