He was educated in the Sheffield and Roe, Arkansas school systems. As a child, he was a member of First Baptist where his father was Superintendent of the Sunday School.  When her returned to Sheffield, he resumed his membership at First Missionary Baptist Church.

Percy joined the U.S. Army August 5, 1943. He was discharged January 14, 1946 after serving overseas in World War II as a truck driver delivering men and equipment.

He was a quiet man who read ferociously, like his father who died when Percy was six years old. He loved history, reading newspapers and encyclopedias, watching TV news and sports, listening to country music, working and traveling.  Percy was a dependable, loyal employee and father.  He worked to ensure that his children had opportunities to learn and succeed.  He worked several jobs, but remained the longest with the Meat Industry in Washington.

After twenty-two months in different hospitals and facilities, Percy departed this life, leaving precoious memories with his familiy and friends. His marriage to Lessie B. Turner of Sheffield, Alabama produced four children: Brenda, Lionel, Lois and Kenneth. He adopted a son, Reginald, from his second marriage to Kathryn Echols. His third wife was Rosie Garner. He was a divorcee at the time of his death.