Erasto Perez, Sr., passed away on July 23, 2025, in Key West, Florida, at the age of ninety-five. He was best known as "Preacher," a nickname that he had all his life.

He was born on April 13, 1930, in Tampa, Florida to Rev. Guillermo and Dulce Perez. After graduating from Key West High School in 1949, he proudly served in the US Navy during the Korean War. He also worked for the Key West Fire Department where he earned the rank of Captain before he resigned to take over his wife's family business, "Carlos Food Center," a neighborhood grocery store on Caroline St. In his later years, he retired from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office where he served as property officer. He also served as the Associate Pastor at the Key West Baptist Temple under Morris Wright until his death, when he became Senior Pastor until he retired.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his seven siblings.

He is survived by his wife of seventy years, Hortensia Calleja Perez.

He leaves a legacy of three children, Carlos Perez, Erasto Perez, Jr. (Pam) and Lola McClellan (David), as well as grandchildren, Heather Ludwick (Ben), Faith Hish (Andrew), Melissa Perez (Christopher Woodard), Dr. Joanna Chaffin (John), Dave McClellan (Jamie), and Jaden McClellan, and eight great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at the Key West Church of God, 1419 White St. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 25th, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 26th, at 4:00pm.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Rocky Tingle, April Gallagher, Robert Scardato. Also, Teresa and Jeanne from Hospice for all their excellent, compassionate care.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:7-8)