Gary Allen Perry was born in Madison, W. Virginia on February 9, 1949 to Donald Perry and Nita Evelyn (Rickman) Perry.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents, his sister, Sandy and his Vietnam buddy and brother-in-law, John Henson.He is survived by his beloved wife, Vicki of 53 years, his children: Shawn Henry (Scott), Tonya Perry, Gary Allen Perry, and Kelly Massey (Jeff ); his siblings, Loretta Carr (Ricky), Elaine Perry and Donald Perry (Carolyn); his 13 grandchildren, four great grandchildren and more nieces and nephews than you can count.
Gary was a Vietnam veteran and served honorably in the Marines and the Coast Guard for 22 years.
Gary settled happily into retirement and he and Vicki traveled extensively throughout the United States. He enjoyed a multitude of hobbies. He was an accomplished bread baker and cake decorator. He also enjoyed gardening and photography. He volunteered at St. Patrick’s church office in Placerville, California and also at St. Joseph’s in Crescent City. He also volunteered in the library at St. Joseph’s and as a cook in the cafeteria. Gary’s most loved and important job in retirement was being the chauffeur and confidant for his grandchildren.
Anyone who knew Gary and a lot who really didn’t know him well were blessed by his loving character, his infectious smile and his laughter. Gary’s wants were simple. His family first and foremost was the most important thing to him. He was incredible loyal and truly valued his relationships with his friends.
You could not be anywhere near Gary without knowing what a beautiful, kind person he was and feeling better for simply having been in his presence. His wife Vicki put it better than anyone could when she wrote:
“Gary, how will I go on when I look up and see that smile isn’t there looking back at me?How will I go on without the crazy sense of humor that never made sense, but it stillmade me laugh?How will I go on without you here to tell me that I’m wrong even when we both knew that I was right?How will I go on without you here to tell me, “Come back here.”, just so you could say “I love you!”How will I go on without you telling me “If you want it, you should have it. Go get it!”How can I go on, when all I want is you?”
Gary, thank you for your long service to this country and for the sunshine and laughter you brought to our world. Until we meet again, you will be missed.