Herbert Perry Swindall

February 13, 1960 – October 16, 2026

Some people leave an impression on the world through what they accomplish. Others leave it through the way they make people feel, the kindness they show, and the lives they touch along the way. Perry Swindall did both. He was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished brother and uncle, loyal friend, and, above all, a genuinely good man. Perry left this world better than he found it, and those of us blessed to have known and loved him will carry both the weight of his absence and the immeasurable gift of having had him in our lives long after the pain of losing him gives way to the comfort of having known him.

Born on February 13, 1960, in DeKalb County, Alabama, Perry was a lifelong Alabamian and a proud Crimson Tide fan. He was a lifelong learner, a patient teacher (some called him Mr. Miyagi), an avid outdoorsman, and a man of faith. He had a curious mind, a generous heart, and a knack for making people feel like family. Even the Missouri Yankee who married his niece could find a place at Perry's table. Never meeting a stranger, he was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back and his last dollar to someone who truly needed it. He gave of himself without keeping score, asking little in return beyond a smile, a shared laugh, or a few minutes of genuine fellowship.

Everyone who knew Perry has a story about him, and those stories are a testament to the kind of man he was and the legacy he leaves.

Perry was happiest when he had something to do, something to learn, or someone to help. He loved hunting, fishing, skeet shooting, woodworking, antiquing, and tinkering with whatever project had caught his attention. He had a love for eagles, and he was always finding new ways to keep busy and enjoy the little things in life. He also had a deep appreciation for friendship and community, building relationships that truly lasted a lifetime.

His love of the outdoors was about more than a hobby. As a quadriplegic, Perry understood the challenges that can make outdoor recreation difficult to access. Rather than allowing those challenges to define what was possible, he helped others find their own opportunities. Alongside his dear friend Ben Smith, Perry was a dedicated member of the Disabled Sportsmen of Alabama, helping people with disabilities experience and enjoy outdoor sports and activities. He was also on the first quad rugby team for Lakeshore. Perry understood what those experiences could mean to a person, and he wanted others to have the chance to enjoy them, too.

Perry also volunteered with the Benevolence Committee at First Baptist Church of Leeds and helped organize turkey shoots for the local Lions Club. He was always willing to lend a hand, share what he knew, or take on a project that would benefit someone else. He earned his master's degree in counseling from the University of Montevallo and served as a disability determination supervisor with the Social Security Administration before enjoying retirement.

Throughout his life, he combined a willingness to learn with a desire to make a difference.

For all the things Perry loved to do, the people he loved mattered most. He shared nearly 40 years of marriage with his wife, Lori (Bennington) Swindall, and was a devoted father to his son, Larry, whom he lovingly called "my Larry boy." He was a beloved brother, uncle, and friend, and he loved his family with the same generosity he extended to everyone around him. He was deeply loved in return. Those who knew Perry knew they had someone in their corner, someone who cared, and someone who would show up when it mattered.

Perry also treasured his friendships, especially those that had stood the test of time. His bond with Glen Wilson, his oldest and dearest friend, went well beyond friendship; Glen was family. Perry had a way of turning acquaintances into friends and friends into family, leaving behind a large chosen family who will remember him for his humor, kindness, willingness to help, and the countless moments they shared with him.

Perry is survived by his beloved wife, Lori; his son, Larry; his sisters, Sharon Bailey (Bill) and Sherri Scharff (Mike); and his extended family, including Trish, "Lil Bill" Bailey, P.J., Kyle, Christy, Angie, Hope, Amy, Mcayla, Julian, Gabe, Robby, Brandon, Adam, Sarah, Valerie (Corey), and Ian. He also leaves behind Liz W., whom he served as legal guardian and who held a lifelong place in his heart, along with the many friends whose lives he made better just by being a part of them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, H.H. Swindall and Annie Ruth Swindall; his brothers, Gary and Larry Swindall; his sister, Sheila; and his nephew, Michael.

There is no easy way to say goodbye to Perry. He was a genuine soul who gave so much of himself, and no list of accomplishments can fill his absence. His legacy lives in the people he helped, the relationships he built, the lessons he shared, and the love he gave so freely. Those of us who loved him will carry a little piece of Perry with us, in the stories we tell, the kindness we pass along, and the memories that will always bring him close.

Perhaps the best way to describe Perry is this: He loved deeply. And those of us blessed to have him in our lives learned, through his example, to love a little more deeply ourselves.

There is comfort in imagining Perry standing tall, walking again, enjoying the outdoors, and being reunited with the family and friends who went before him. We grieve because we loved him. And boy, did we love him. But alongside that grief, there is joy in imagining him finally experiencing that freedom once more.

So, for now, Perry is simply "gone fishin'." He will be missed more than words can say, remembered with love, and never forgotten by the many people whose lives he made better just by being part of them. And somewhere beyond the horizon, in that Great House above, built by the Great Architect of this Universe, I like to think he'll have the bait ready and a spot saved for us; a quiet stretch of water, a good conversation, and all the time in the world when we finally get to join him.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 23, at Bethel Baptist Church in Steele, AL. Visitation will take place from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Beason Cove Cemetery in Steele, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in support of Lori and Larry, including meals and other gestures of kindness as they navigate this difficult time.

If you have a story about Perry, a memory that still makes you smile, or a moment when his kindness made a difference in your life, please share it with Lori and family, whether through a private message or in the comments here. We remember those we love not only by the lives they lived, but by the stories they leave behind, retold with laughter, shared with love, and carried forward long after they're gone. If Perry taught us anything, it's that love like his is never repaid in full, but we can spend the rest of our lives trying to pass it on, together.