MAY 22 – Gene Lee Perna, 65, of Farmville, formerly of New Port Richey, Florida, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, May 17, 2012. He courageously battled COPD for 20 years. He died peacefully in the arms of family, with the support of Hospice, and his pastor Frank Lacey.

Mr. Perna was born November 3, 1946 in Richmond, and was raised in Front Royal by his mother, Ruth Mae Pounds, until he was ten years old. At that time he was given up for adoption to a couple in Virginia Beach. They moved him and his sister to Westminster, Colorado.

After graduating high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy as a Seabee and served his country during the Vietnam War. He spent much of his adult life in New Port Richey, Florida. His talent for creating and building led him to his life's work in construction trades.

Most recently, he and his wife moved to Farmville to be closer to family. He is survived by a large blended family, his loving and devoted wife of 23 years, Linda Colvin Perna; two stepchildren, daughter, April Proper and husband, Jim Proper of Erie, PA, and son, Preston Colvin and partner, Tiago Barros of Atlanta, GA; two daughters, Becky Perna Mills and husband, Mark Mills of Farmville and Jennifer Van Riper and husband, Ryan Van Riper of Annapolis, MD; son, William Daniel Perna of Bath, NY; five grandchildren; a beloved sister, Kittie Marie Forbes and husband, Milan Forbes of Catawaba, NC; and faithful and loyal mini dachshund, Lil Charlie Brown. Predeceasing Mr. Perna was his adoptive father, William Perna, retired Navy ENC, and wife.

His close friends and family had the honor of seeing his glorious salvation and rebirth on April 16, 2012. “The old life is gone, a new life has begun.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT

Donations may be made to his adopted church, Riverside Community Church, Farmville. www.riversidec2.org

A private service was held on Sunday, May 20.

Puckett Funeral Home, Farmville, is serving the family. www.puckettfh.com