Deacon Perman L. Reid, III

Family & Home Life ~ Unknowing to us June 6, 2022 would be the last time Deacon Perman Lorenzo Reid, III, and Mother Evelyn V. Reid would celebrate their anniversary, 57 years of matrimony and almost 60 years of being together as a couple. On June 8, 2022, surrounded by family, our Lord called Perman home. Married in 1965, Evelyn (Love) has had her husband, the only love of her life, and life’s companion transition and she is dependent on God to carry her through until they are reunited. To their beautiful union, four intelligent young women were born. Affectionately called the ‘DOPEs’, Daughters of Perman & Evelyn, Kecia Deneen, Poughkeepsie; Terri Lynne (Carl Reid), Bronx, NY; Tracie Zorana, Fishkill, NY; and Crystal Noel (Stacey Killings), Brooklyn, NY, are truly heartbroken to realize he is no longer here in the present and also anticipate the great resurrection, where they will see their Daddy again. Grandchildren: Sheri D.Z. Reid, Queens, NY, Keilah L. Featherston, Mom to Great-grandson Leonardo Llaverias, Poughkeepsie, NY; Adam J.X. Reid, Lawrence J. Featherston and Zachary Reid all of Poughkeepsie, NY will forever miss their ‘Lalight’s’ humor, stories and Spades games. We must recognize his special ‘immediate family’ though not born into his union, Missy Glass, niece raised in the home as a daughter (Atlanta, GA), and ‘adopted’ son, Herschell Johnson (Atlanta, GA) who became a part of the family when he was 15. Perman married into a family of ‘Love’ and lots of women, Sisters-In-Laws: Helen C. Watson, Fishkill, NY; and Delores C. Love, NY, NY, and Mary Reid, TN.; will miss him dearly. Also must mention his loyal 4-legged companion, Rusti, who misses her caring human.

Perman, lovingly called “Perm” by friends and some family, was born May 1, 1943 to Alicia (Padilla) and Perman L. Reid, Jr., in Bronx, NY. The oldest of three sons born to that union, Perman was raised to be a gentleman and dedicated, loyal, faithful, supportive and protective family man. His parents and his brother, Ramon, and cousin Jimmy Frazier predeceased him. His youngest brother, Carlton Lawrence Reid (Veronica), South Carolina, along with his children: Shauna and Carlton L. Reid, Jr. survive and will miss him tremendously. His nephew, Michael Moore (Michelle), Baltimore, joins in the pain of losing his father, Ramon, and now his Uncle Perman. His cousin, Frank Fraiser (Judy) and family in Dallas, TX, stand with all of us in sorrow. Uncle Perman has a host of nieces and nephews, coast to coast, that grieve sincerely.

Home is definitely where the heart is, we rejoice in knowing we had a good home life filled with love. Families near and far felt the safety and support if they ever lived in their home. Sunday Dinners and Summer BBQs were a regular occurrence… and so were the Spades games!  Excellent husband and provider, Evelyn never wanted for anything... they were so in sync the DOPES used to think they rubbed their wedding rings, often giving each other the same presents... Superb Daddy - Indian Princesses, Girl Scouts, camping, rafting, fishing, roller coasters, family vacations - horseback riding, and terrifying boyfriends, he was there - present at all events, and at home, although he was a man of little words his presence was impactful. And when he did speak you surely better listen. 

Education & Work Life ~ During his early elementary years Perman was a devoted member to his church and an altar boy. He enjoyed Sunday School which was something he continued to enjoy into adulthood, serving as a substitute Sunday School teacher at Beth-El. 

In High School, Perman was on the basketball team, debate team, in the Spelling Club, as well as, Senior Class President. He exceeded performance in them all. Perman, was an escort [at what was then known as a gentlemen’s club - not the same thing as what they are now known for] for dozens of cotillions and celebrations. While working hard to maintain excellent grades, he was still driven by internal dreams and desires and goals. Perman began working at 14 or 15 year’s old selling women’s hair care products door-to-door in his birthplace of Bronx, NY. Mr. Hope, his employer, remained Perman’s friend until his own passing approximately 6 years ago.

Perman and Evelyn moved to Fishkill in 1968 and began his adult career as a Narcotics Officer at Fishkill Correctional facility, Beacon, NY. During this time period he was also working part-time as an orderly in the hospital and for Wappingers Friendly’s. Soon he was noticed for his strong work ethic. Friendly Ice Cream Corp. asked him to become part of management, and once his training was completed, Perman was hired as Restaurant Manager. Friendly’s proceeded to build a restaurant on Main Street in Fishkill, which was constructed for him to operate. After many successful years Perman was promoted to District Manager (DM) as was overseer of 10 stores (Fishkill, Wappingers, Newburgh, New Paltz, Poughkeepsie – South Rd., Hooker Ave; Vails Gate, Kingston – 2 locations.) As DM, restaurant staff would signal when Perm was doing his rounds, thus the ‘Perm-Alert’ was born. Staff would call the next restaurant to alert them that Perm was leaving their restaurant and now headed their way. Family and friends and everyone in the neighborhood received a ‘Jubilee Roll’ or ‘Watermelon Roll’ depending upon which holiday season. After 24 years, Perm retired but soon after realized he wanted a second act – a part II career and began working at Poughkeepsie Chevrolet-Cadillac in sales.

At Poughkeepsie Chevrolet he was known as the “Cadillac Man’ selling and driving many, many, many Caddy’s. After the dealership sold, he continued there working for Healey Chevrolet. On his 75th birthday, 4 years ago, Perm had a retirement/birthday party. This retirement was a blessing as he then was more available to his church, Beth-El Church of God in Christ, in Poughkeepsie, NY 

Church Life ~ The late Bishop James E. Hunt, Beth-El’s founder, called Perman ‘Deacon’ long before he became a member of Beth-El. Evelyn had joined some years prior to Perman… the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife (1 Cor. 7:14 KJV.) Deacon Reid prior to official membership was extremely supportive of the church, having Resurrection/Easter Sunday Sunrise Breakfasts, prepared in the wee hours of the morning at Friendly’s and then transported to the church before the restaurant opened. Ordained a Deacon when he joined, Perman continued his dedication to the Lord through service at Beth-El and became Chairman of the Deacon Board. After the passing of Bishop Hunt, Deacon Reid continued his faithfulness to Beth-El’s current Pastor, D.A. Hunt, Bishop Hunt’s son. Deacon Reid served as one of Beth-El’s Business Administrators, as well as Transportation Coordinator, and member of the security and volunteer committees. His strong leadership, loyalty, punctuality and professionalism will be noticeably missing.

Till Death They Did Part ~ Perman fought many illnesses over the years, with Evelyn always at his side, and God delivered him from them all. However, healing on earth this time it was not to be. He is now fully healed, expecting a glorified body with no sickness or pain. (1 John 3:2, 2. Cor. 5:3, Rev. 21:4 KJV). 

Perman will also be sorely missed by family fore mentioned, many friends and co-workers, customers turned friends. 

Arrangements: Visitation/Wake: Wednesday, June 15: 7-9pm and Thursday, June 16: 10:30am – 12pm. Followed by a Celebration of Life Service from 12pm-2:00pm. Beth-El Church of God in Christ, 91 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.

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