Albert Thompson Perry II, 81, of Paris passed from this life on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at his home in the care of his wife and children.
Called Tom or Doc by his friends, Dr. Perry by his students and Dad, Pop and Honey by his family and loved ones, he impacted everyone he knew with his huge laugh, unique sense of humor, outgoing smile, quick wit, big brain and sweet spirit.
He was born December 12, 1942, in Riverside, California at March Field Army Air Base to Albert Thompson and Vivienne Ann Evans Perry. He grew up and attended school at multiple Air Bases in the US as well as with family in Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska. He graduated from Lincoln High School (Neb.) in 1960 and enlisted in the US Navy a year later. He served on the USS Dealey (DE-1006) as a Radarman in the Atlantic and Caribbean. He and the crew on his ship took part in the blockade during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
After his military service, he attended multiple colleges perusing various degrees before he ultimately earned his PhD. in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University. He worked at many occupations over his lifetime, including a seismologist, researcher, psychologist, math instructor, writer, engineering professor and analyst for the Department of Defense.
On December 27, 1974, he married his best friend and love of his life, Deborah Kay Caldwell, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Paris. He proudly recalled this event as “the best and smartest thing I ever did”. He and Deb built 49 loving years together. He loved her completely and loved his three children and six grandchildren dearly.
He will always be remembered for his larger-than-life laughter and booming voice. His compassion for others and animals was enviable. He never confronted a problem he couldn’t engineer a solution for. His ability to adapt and overcome was innate. He loved to fish and shoot with the best of them. He was a fan of telling and hearing stories and jokes. He was a lover of slap-stick, sci-fi and mystery. And to many, he was the smartest guy we ever knew.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Gayle Ann Perry; and several close aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, contemporaries and good dogs he met along the way.
He is survived by his wife, Deb Perry; his son Dan Perry and wife Ellen; his daughter Emily Hundley; his son Andrew Perry; his grandsons Jacob, Isaac and Eli Hundley; his granddaughters Grace, Abigail and Marley Perry; and beloved dogs Hans and Chi-Chi.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial donations can be made to the Lamar County Humane Association.
No services are scheduled at this time.
