Perry Lee Ground

Perry graduated from the Oklahoma Military Academy in Claremore, OK. He then attended Oklahoma A&M University (now Oklahoma State University) graduating with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering.

Because of his training at the Oklahoma Military Academy, Perry was called to service for the United States Army during the Korean War. Perry’s perseverance and dedication to duty resulted in him receiving the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for heroism, saving the life of a fellow soldier while being wounded in combat. He also received the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Defense Distinguished Service Medal, and the Korean War Service Medal.

When Perry left the military, he became a professional mechanical engineer and focused on air conditioning. He was a lifelong learner who enjoyed building, tinkering, and repairing anything he could. He spent most of his career designing HVAC systems for large buildings. Over the years, his work took him to places like Saudi Arabia and Siberia.

On April 2, 2019, Perry was honored as the Veteran of the Week by the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Perry was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Billie Crockett; his wife of 25 years, JoAnna Lou; and his daughter, Cindy Smith.

Perry is survived by his children: Becky and Gary Stinson, Bud and Peri Ground, and Larry Smith; his grandchildren: Natalie and Dillon Reid, Adria and Brad Berry, Vanessa Ground and Matt Olson, J.W and Christen Ground, David and Kandi Smith; and his great-grandchildren: Brodie Reid, Townes Reid, Adele Berry, Zoey Berry, Jolene Ground, John Perry Ground, Daxton Smith, Weston Smith, and Alydi Smith. Perry is also survived by his nephew, Kenny Crockett, and nieces, Susan Quintana and Jean Ann Shearer.

A private memorial service will be held in Houston, Texas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.baggerley.com for the GROUND family.