Marvin Perlis, 92, a cherished resident of Tifton, Georgia and Amelia Island, Florida passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025.
Born in Cordele, Georgia, Marvin is the youngest of three sons of Isadore and Clara Feingold Perlis, both of blessed memory. He is survived by his devoted wife, Lynette Hankin Perlis, of 67 years; their two sons and their wives Philip & Susan Guld Perlis and Michael & Mary Vinings Perlis; his grandchildren Dr. Franklin Perlis, Stacy Perlis and her husband Dr. Jeremy Yatvin. He is also survived by his brother and sisters-in-law Lamar & Jackie Perlis of Cordele and Pauline Perlis of Atlanta, wife of his late brother Louis Perlis. Marvin was a beloved uncle to 4 nephews, 2 nieces and 7 great nieces and nephews.
Marvin was a student of Cordele High School, Emory University and the University of Georgia. After graduating from college, Marvin entered the family business alongside his parents and siblings in Cordele, Georgia.
In 1955, Marvin relocated to Tifton to run The Big Store. He worked alongside his wife for 50+ years and son Phil, who joined the family business in 1982. Marvin dedicated his life to running the business, transforming it into a cornerstone of Tifton's downtown. His commitment to quality service and community engagement left an indelible mark on the town.
Through The Big Store, Marvin had a hand in the lives of thousands of people in the Tifton area. Whether it was fitting a child for their first pair of shoes, a teenager in a tux for their high school prom, or giving an ABAC student their first job, Marvin’s mentality was always one of service with a smile on his face.
Beyond The Big Store, Marvin served multiple terms as the President of The Fitzgerald Hebrew Congregation, was a long standing board member of the Tifton Merchants Association, and dedicated pee-wee football coach. He never missed a Tift County Blue Devil kick-off and loved cheering for his Georgia Bulldogs.
Marvin loved spending time with family and friends. After retiring to Amelia Island with Lynette he enjoyed traveling and playing golf or cards nearly every day. Marvin faced many struggles with his health but he never complained. Despite losing his hearing entirely and battling Parkinson’s, Marvin constantly sought to be around those he loved. He was supported by a group of exceptional caregivers who were by his side until the very end.
A memorial service will be held at noon on Tuesday, January 21st at the Fitzgerald Hebrew Congregation in Fitzgerald, Georgia followed by a burial service at Evergreen Cemetery. Rabbi Neil Sandler will officiate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Fitzgerald Hebrew Congregation, c/o Libby Robertson 346 Main Street, Tifton, GA 31794, a charity that supports Parkinson’s disease or to a charity of one's choice.
Marvin's dedication to his family, business, and community will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.