Published: May 08, 2008 08:04 am            

Hal Perry, 72

Hal Gordon Perry, 72, died peacefully May 3, 2008, after a short illness.

Hal was preceded in death by: his parents, Hal and Vola Perry of Berea, Ky.; and his grandson, Hal Gordon Perry III of Raleigh, N.C.

Born September 21, 1935, in Berea, Ky., Hal grew up in Berea where he married the love of his life Mary Elizabeth McWilliams immediately following graduation from Berea College Foundation School where he attended school from kindergarten through graduation from high school. He was an Eagle Scout and a member of the national Honor Society. Hal and Mary moved to Lexington, Ky., in 1953, where Hal worked for the Kentucky Highway Department while working on and obtaining his BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Kentucky (BSCE — 1957). Mr. Perry graduated with “High Distinction,” was selected “Outstanding Senior Civil Engineer” of his class and was a member and officer of Tau Beta Pi (a national honor society). After graduating from the University of Kentucky, Hal began his civil engineering career that spanned nearly 45 years all the while focusing on bridge and pre-stressed concrete design. During this time he was Vice President and President and lifetime member of the Engineers Club of Memphis (where he was very proud of the distinction that he was the third father in the 93-year history of the club to have a son (John Gordon Perry) succeed him as president in 1992).

An autodidact (self-taught scholar) by design, Hal had an unquenchable thirst and passion for ornithology, astronomy and history, enjoying each and every opportunity to debate any person who chose to challenge his knowledge … and likewise experiencing absolute euphoria when he was able to spar with an equally impassioned opponent. Mr. Perry experienced much pleasure and satisfaction when teaching and mentoring otherwise unsure individuals who he thought could become more successful if they were only given the opportunity to experience the fulfillment of accomplishment and the resulting self-confidence that naturally followed. He especially loved satirical humor and loved to share with others who had the same appreciation. A non-official, self-appointed recruiter and “officer” of the “Lead Pencil Club,” those who knew Hal well knew of his absolute aversion to technology of most kinds. A member and elder of First Presbyterian Church of Humboldt, Mr. Perry was a much admired Sunday School teacher for many years. Hal was a sentimentalist and was quite proud of all of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and would have believed he had lived the perfect life if they had all moved to live with him and Mary on “Norfleet Farm” in Humboldt.

Surviving are: his wife of 54 years, Mary Elizabeth Perry of Humboldt, Tenn.; son, John Gordon Perry and wife Sherry of Memphis, Tenn.; daughter, Sarah Perry Edmiston and husband Rick of Horn Lake, Miss.; son, Hal Gordon Perry, II and wife Joni of Raleigh, N.C.; daughter, Elizabeth Perry Punch and husband Brad of Atlanta, Ga.; eight grandchildren, Diane Perry of Memphis, Tenn., Ashley Perry of Atlanta, Ga., Richard Edmiston and wife Kristen of Horn Lake, Miss., Alissa Edmiston Foster and husband Brian of Southaven, Miss., Paige Perry and Jeffry Perry, both of Raleigh, N.C., Benjamin Punch of Iwakuni, Japan, and Michael Punch of Atlanta, Ga.; four great-grandchildren, Brenden Foster, Bailey Foster and Colin Foster of Southaven, Miss., and Levi Edmiston of Horn Lake, Miss.

The memorial services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Friday, May 9, 2008, at First Presbyterian Church, Humboldt, Tenn., with the Reverends Herb Adams and Paul Means officiating. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. Friends and family are invited to the Perry Home at 816 Clarence Norfleet Road, immediately following the ceremony for a barbecue celebrating his life. (Hal and Mary Perry were known in the community for their annual whole hog barbecues held the first Saturday in May every year at their home).

Memorials may be directed to: Berea College, The Founder’s Club, CPO 2216, Berea, KY 40404; or First Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 1528 Presbyterian Drive, Humboldt, TN 38343.

Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, is in charge of arrangements. For more information, call 668-1111.

        

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