John Leslie Perry Sr.

John Leslie Perry, Sr., 83, of Cypress, Texas, went to be with our Lord on March 25th, 2026. John was born on December 30, 1942, in Wyandotte, Michigan. John did not have an easy childhood, and he worked incredibly hard to make a better life. He refused to drop out of high school during the hard times he was presented with because he valued education. He joined the military right after high school and rose to the rank of Major, something he was incredibly proud of.

John was a beloved and cherished husband, father, uncle, and grandfather. His greatest joy came from his faith and family. He shared the most incredible, dedicated, and loving relationship with his wife of more than 40 years, Nancy. They had a bond built on God, faithfulness, respect, partnership, and enduring love. Everyone would aspire to have a relationship like theirs. Together, they created a union rooted in God, faith, values, laughter, and unwavering support.

John was a strong and honorable man whose life was defined by service, faith, family, and country. A proud Major in the United States Army, John served his country courageously for more than twenty years including two tours in Vietnam, embodying bravery, resilience, and unwavering commitment in the face of extraordinary challenges. His military service instilled in him a lifelong sense of honor, loyalty, and responsibility that guided every chapter of his life.

After the military, John continued with a very successful career. One of the most rewarding times of his life was when he worked in sales for Roadway in the convention and trade show industry for more than 20 years. After spending their entire marriage in Houston, Texas, John and Nancy packed up and moved to Rancho Cucamonga, California for Roadway. They spent their years there working hard, traveling, making life-long friends, and memories. Many members of their family came to visit and made so many memories there in California. They returned to Houston, Texas in 1998 after John’s retirement from Roadway in 1997 to be close to family again.

John was blessed to have long-time, loyal friends, including his “Poker Club,” 42-Group, Church Koinonia Group, the Red Hatters, and California friends.

John loved to fish, and fry those fish he caught. He loved to cook and grill for friends and family. He was also passionate about gardening—everything from plants to vegetables to beautiful flowers. So many memories made outside gardening and grilling. He also loved animals of all kinds, especially cats, dogs, and birds. They always brought a smile to his face. And, one of his favorite past times was watching the Astros and Texans with his beloved Nancy.

Hard-working and honest, John led by example. He was compassionate, kind-hearted, and deeply thoughtful, always willing to offer guidance, encouragement, or a listening ear. His wisdom was steady and quiet, his humor warm and genuine, and his patience evident in the way he treated others. He inspired those around him not through words alone, but through consistent actions and integrity.

John was faithful in spirit and selfless in nature, placing others before himself and facing life’s challenges with strength and grace. Though shaped by the demands of military service, he carried himself with humility, resilience, and purpose. His loyalty—to his family, his principles, and his country—never wavered.

John was a warrior, not only in the military, but in life. This was never more evident than in his military service and in his long and courageous battle against Alzheimer’s during his later years. He fought long and hard with Nancy by his side every step of the way. He never gave up and always had a positive attitude.

Major John L. Perry leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, service, and honor. He will be remembered for his bravery, his devotion to Nancy and his entire family, and his steadfast heart. His presence will be deeply missed, but his example will live on in the lives he touched and the family he so dearly loved.

John is survived by his wife of more than 40 years, Nancy Perry. John is survived by his children, Janet Perry, and husband, Manuel Espinosa, and son, John L. Perry Jr., and wife, Alexis. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Marvin Ferguson, Edward Brooks, Manuel Espinosa Jr., Kody Espinosa, Xander Perry, and 3 great grandchildren. John is also survived by his niece, Stacy Russell, and husband, Brian Nelson; nephew, Russel Stanley, and wife, Tania Stanley; niece LynnAnn Welboan, and husband Joey Welboan; niece Kathryn Wright, and husband, Clay Wright. He is also survived by his great niece, Savannah Nelson, and great nephews, Russell Stanley, Chris Stanley, Will Wright, and Austin Wright. John is predeceased by his daughters JoAnn Thomas and Joyce Holt; along with grandsons Jimmy Mosmeyer and Brandon Atkinson.

A celebration of life will be held on April 9, 2026, at American Heritage Funeral Home located at 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038. Gathering – 12:00 pm; Service for Celebration of Life– 1:15 to 2:15 pm; Memorial Service with Military Honors at Houston National Cemetery– 2:30 pm. A reception will follow at American Heritage Funeral Home at the above address.