JW Perry

On March 19, 2015, JW Perry's spirit passed from his earthly body to his heavenly home with Jesus, his daughter, Janet and other believers. His beloved wife, Ruth and daughter, Paula were by his side. He was a very loving husband, father and grandfather, and he was a very compassionate, caring, encouraging person to all. He was 83 years old. Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 22 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home. Burial will be on Monday, March 23 at 9:30 a.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be on Monday, March 23 at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church. JW Perry was born on May 5, 1931 in Navarro County, Texas. He was born to Elsie Loretta Butler and Revis Wyatt Perry. He grew up there picking cotton and working on the farm. He graduated from Blooming Grove High School in 1948 where he played football and participated in debating. He was in the Navy from 1950-1952 during the Korean War. He then moved to Dallas, Texas where he attended Business School and worked at Atlantic Refining Company. He met his wife, Ruth Ann Fowler there, and they married October 6, 1956. They moved to Temple, Texas in 1962 to purchase Miller Printing. American Printing Company was purchased in 1966 and expanded to include office products and furniture. In 1988, the printing division (American Printing) of his business was sold and the remainder continued as Perry Office Products. JW served on the State Board of Directors of the Printing Industries of Texas, and was a past president of the Waco/Temple Chapter of the organization. He was a member and past officer of National Office Products Association. Perry Office Products was sold in 1994. JW served the city of Temple as mayor for 3 terms from 1992-1998. Prior to being mayor, he served Temple as the District 3 City Councilman. He also previously served on the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Civil Service Commission. He was elected three times to the Temple Chamber Board of Directors. JW was an active member and Past President of the Temple Lion's Club who had recently honored him with the Melvin Jones Award and a lifetime membership. He had 50 plus years of service with the Club, perfect attendance and served in every capacity. JW was an active member of First United Methodist Church where he served on various committees, but his favorite role was greeting people each Sunday. JW is survived by his wife of 58 plus years, Ruth Perry of Temple, his daughter and son-in-law, Paula and Rick Thompson of Coppell, and his grandchildren, Megan and Michael Thompson of Coppell as well. He is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Janet Perry, his brothers Otho, Earl and Otis Perry and his sisters Bertha Mae Miller and Macey Sykes. He is survived by his brother, Charles Perry and his wife Karen of Irving, Texas. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Geraldine Perry of Richardson, Margaret Richters of Earlteon, Florida, Mary Fowler of Copperas Cove and Rita Hull of Tyler. He is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, the Passing the Torch Fund, at PO Box 773, Temple, Texas, 76503 or to the charity of one's choice.