Joseph Ray Perry

Joseph Ray Perry, a lifetime resident of Haskell County, has moved to a new address. Before beginning this next chapter, he celebrated his 92nd birthday at the Hendrick Hospice Care Center in Abilene, Texas, with his wife, daughter, grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters.

Ray was born in the Paint Creek Community of Haskell County on April 23, 1925. He was the eldest child of Hoyt Perry and Thelma Dinsmore Perry. He began his elementary education at the Post School—continuing through 7th grade. He started 8th grade at the newly formed Paint Creek Independent School, which was named by his grandfather, Wayne Perry, who was a school board member of the new school district. Ray graduated from Paint Creek in May of 1943 and joined the United States Army Air Corps. Serving his country as a tail gunner on a B-17 bomber, he flew 35 missions over Nazi Germany. Ray was awarded several medals while in service and was always proud to share his experiences. One story he often told was of his crew's sixth mission when they were hit by heavy enemy fire. Their aircraft was heavily damaged but his pilot still managed to land the plane back in Horham, England with one dead solider on board, one engine out, and part of a wing gone. Ray always said that this was the day he finally grew up—at the ripe ol' age of nineteen!

After an honorable discharge, Ray returned to Haskell to begin his farming career—a life he lived and loved for over fifty years. He lived on the land he had worked and loved until his death.

Ray met his future wife, Amelia June Holt, on a blind date and they were united in marriage at the Haskell Methodist Church on June 29, 1948--June would have marked seventy years of marriage. Together they had two children: a daughter, Milla Perry Jones, and a son, James Richard Perry. Ray Perry loved and admired his family. Nothing made him happier than to spend time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was always ready for a phone call or a visit.

Outside of his family, Ray led a busy and productive life. In 1968, Ray was elected to be a County Commissioner and served in that capacity for 28 years. Due to his failing eyesight, he chose not to seek re-election. Additionally, he served on the Paint Creek School Board for ten years; the West Central Texas Council of Governments for six years, two of which he served as President of the board; and he was instrumental in organizing the Paint Creek Water Corporation, all of which was done from his make-shift home office, he then served several years on the Water Board and twice as its President.

Ray was an avid hunter. Amelia once remarked that they could turn their den into a museum because at every turn you were face-to-face with elk, deer, and caribou—with a few pheasants mixed in. One of the highlights of his hunting days was a trip to Alaska where he killed a first-class caribou, which was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records.

Ray Perry is survived by his wife, Amelia, their 2 children: a daughter, Milla Perry Jones of Dallas; and son, former Governor of Texas Rick Perry, and wife Anita, of Round Top and Washington, DC; 3 grandchildren: Griffin Perry, and wife, Meredith, of Dallas; Caitlyn Jones of College Station; Sydney Perry Harrison, and husband Brett, of Las Vegas, Nevada; and 2 great-granddaughters: Ella and Piper Perry of Dallas. Also surviving Mr. Perry are 2 brothers: Gene Perry of Big Spring and Don Perry, and wife, Nanette, of Haskell; sister, Frances Blacklock of Austin; several nieces and nephews; and loving friends.

The celebration of Ray's life will be on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Haskell First United Methodist Church, 201 North Avenue F, Haskell. Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation and sharing at Smith Family Funeral Home, 304 North 2nd Street, Haskell, on Monday, May 1, 2017 from 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.