Alvin Ray Perry

He is survived by his wife, the love of his life, Annette (Toni) Theresa Perry, who he married 57 years ago on February 8, 1958. He also is survived by his two sons, George William Murphy and Tanny Erroll Murphy, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

Al, as everyone called him, was born on September 5, 1931 in Houston, Texas. He graduated from Milby High School and attended the University of Houston. In 1950, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged two years later. He traveled the nation playing drums as a member of the Air Force Band, he studied music in New York and played drums with some of the most famous jazz musicians of our time.

Al’s full life included working as a real estate agent and then as an appraiser for nearly 40 years. After his retirement he studied for, and passed, the difficult tests to become an Arbitrator for the Harris County Tax Office. Over the years, he enjoyed coaching his son’s little league baseball teams, dancing with Toni, traveling to Mexico and, of course, his music. Later in life, Al walked two to three miles a day, was active in tai chi, qigong, tango dance lessons, caring for his dogs and keeping up with current events.

Al was a longtime member of St. John Vianney Parish, where as a devout and devoted Catholic, he nurtured his deep faith in God and assisted on Sunday as a Eucharist Minister.

Visitation with the family will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the recitation of the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2014 at Katy Funeral Home, 23350 Kingsland Blvd. in Katy, Texas.

A Funeral Mass will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 18th at Saint John Vianney Catholic Church; 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail in Houston with Rev. R. Troy Gately as Celebrant. phone 713-497-1500. Refreshments will be served following the service.

Burial will be a private family service.