Perry Brantley Yarrington, age 83, died on April 11, 2012, after a 2-year struggle against cancer. Perry (or Brant or Chief) was born August 24, 1928. in Warner, VA, to Robert and Annie Florence (Lumpkin) Yarrington. In 1945, at age 17, he graduated from Saluda High School (VA) and enlisted in the Navy. He retired in 1970 as a Master Chief Hospital Corpsman, having served in multiple naval stations and onboard ship. He then worked for 15 years for the U.S. Department of Transportation as a contract manager with its just-formed Alcohol Safety Action Program. He retired from his second career in 1985. For several years, he owned and raced thoroughbreds under the colors of Roseberry Farm, the name of the family home in Middlesex County, VA.



He was a lifelong member of VFW Post 8950 in Maryland and a member of Moose Lodge 557 in Florida. He also was a member of the Florida Chief Petty Officers Association and the Fleet Reserve Association. He and wife Mary Jane moved to Pensacola, FL, from the Washington, DC, area in 1996.



He is survived by Mary Jane (Williams) Yarrington, his wife of 63 years; three children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Robert Gressitt Yarrington and Richard Tyler Yarrington.



Viewing is Tuesday, April 17, 5:30 to 7 p.m. (scripture service at 6:30), at Lewis Funeral Home, 4777 West Spencerfield Rd, Pace. Services will be held on Wednesday, April 18, 11 a.m., at St. Rose of Lima Church, 6451 Park Ave., Milton. Internment will be at Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia, at a future date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the St. Rose of Lima building fund.