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Obituary For Gary Randolph Perry
Gary Randolph Perry, Chaplain, Colonel, USAF (Retired) went home to be with the Lord on August 19, 2021. He was born in Roanoke, Alabama on November 27, 1946.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, the former Brenda Sue Daniel of Fredonia, Alabama; two daughters Kimberly P. Beverage (Tommy) and Tracy P. Smith (Dennis); five grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren and one brother, John Thomas Perry.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Martha Ellen Williamson Perry; three siblings (Rebecca Perry Simpson, James Perry, and Cooper Perry). Gary retired from the USAF in September 2008 and the Alabama West Florida Conference in June 2009.
Gary entered the ministry in June 1976 after eight years of enlisted time in the USAF. He attended Troy State University graduating in August 1977. He then attended Emory University’s Candler School of Theology graduating in 1979. He was ordained as an Elder in Full Connection in the Alabama West Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church. Gary was commissioned as a Chaplain in the USAF in 1983.
In June 1985 Gary entered active duty as a USAF Chaplain with the following assignments: Protestant Chaplain, England AFB, LA (1985-1988). Installation Staff Chaplain, RAF Wethersfield, Wethersfield, UK (1988-1990). Protestant Chaplain, Beale AFB, CA (1990-1993). CPE Resident, Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland AFB,TX (1993-1994). Student, Air Command and Staff College, Maxwell AFB, AL (1994-1995). Senior Protestant Chaplain, Yokota AFB, Japan (1995-1998). Senior Protestant Chaplain, Columbus AFB, MS (1998-2000). Chief of Readiness Division, Air Combat Command Chaplain Staff, Langley AFB, VA (2000-2002). Wing Chaplain, Moody AFB, GA (2002-2004) . Student, Air War College, Maxwell AFB, AL, (2004-2005). Wing Chaplain, Shaw AFB, SC (2005-2008). In September 2008 he retired after more than 33 years of total service.
He and Brenda returned to their home in Fredonia, Alabama. Gary served their community as President of the Fredonia Community Club and as Councilman of Fredonia Town Council. Gary pastored Watoola United Methodist Church, 1370 Lee County Road 38, Opelika, AL. from March 2013 until June 2021 and Fredonia United Methodist Church in Fredonia, Alabama and Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in White Plains, Alabama from July 1 – August 18, 2021.
Services will be held Sunday, August 22nd at Fredonia United Methodist Church, 6240 County Road 222, Five Points, AL 36855. Visitation will begin at 2:00pm EST with Graveside Service to follow at 3:00pm EST. *** Due to the recent COVID spike, masks will be required to protect the health of all in attendance.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fredonia United Methodist Church (mailing address 5364 County Road 289, Lanett, AL 36863) or the American Heart Association.
For online condolences please visit our website at www.blufftonfuneralservices.com. Services have been entrusted to Bluffton Funeral Services, Lanett, Alabama.
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Brenda, I fondly remember swearing Gary in as a Commissioned Officer ! You both served so faithfully all these years both in the local church and the Military Chaplaincy. Our paths criss crossed so many times. It was always a warm and meaningful experience when we saw each other. Conference gathering or United Methodist Endorsement meetings. Gary truly filled the world with the love of God everywherr he went. He will be missed, but never forgotten ❤️ Blessings and peace from David McLean retired UM Pastor and Army Chaplain Gulf Shores UMC Gulf Shores, AL
Brenda, I humbly say that I LOVED Gary like a brother and was always happy to be in his presence. What a loss for us humans, and such a gain for the heavenly chorus,including Brother Tom who thought Gary to be a most special man. With much LOVE to you and the family! Don and Faye Mahaffey
