Eugene Perry

Gene Perry
Jan. 24, 1936-April 11, 2013

Gene Perry, a tireless volunteer during his life in Waco, died Thursday after a long illness. He was 77.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 305 N. 30th St. in Waco, with the Rt. Rev. Jeff W. Fisher, Bishop Suffragan of Texas, officiating.

Eugene Raymond Perry was born Jan. 24, 1936, in Waco, to Claude Raymond and Kathryn Van Zandt Perry. He graduated from Baylor University in 1957 and then earned his MBA from the University of Pennsylvania. For 30 years, Gene was president of the Perry Company in Waco and then was a management consultant for nine years. He married Carol Hooker on Nov. 19, 1989.

Gene was active in many organizations in Waco. He served on the boards of Lake Air National Bank, Citizens National Bank, Goodwill Industries and the Waco Symphony Association. He had also been chairman of the Salvation Army advisory board, a board member of St. Alban’s and Vanguard schools; on the vestry of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church; and a longtime volunteer with Friends of the Waco-McLennan County Library.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; his “San Antonio parents,” in-laws, Col. and Mrs. George Hooker; and two sisters-in-law, Sharon Perry and Nancy Perry.

He is survived by his wife; a son, Collin Perry and wife, Lucy of Athens, Ga.; a daughter, Karen Perry Cooksey and husband, Eric of Athens, Ga.; stepsons, John Guinn of Waco and David Guinn Jr. and wife, Wendy of Idalou; five grandchildren, Georgia Perry, Ava Cooksey, Randal Guinn, Taylor Guinn and Robert Guinn; brothers, Bruce Perry of Dallas and Ray Perry and wife, Cynthia of Waco; and a wonderful group of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gene’s family would like to thank Brenda Pippin and Dr. Charles Shoultz at Waco Cardiology Associates for their kindness toward and care of our husband, brother, father and grandfather.

If desired, memorials may be made to St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Waco or Friends of the Waco-McLennan County Library.