Raymond Lee Perry

Raymond Lee Perry, 79, passed away Friday, February 19, 2016.  He was born May 21, 1936 to Chester Lee Perry and Nellie Mae York Perry.  Raymond grew up in Cordele and El Campo and moving back to the Cordele area to attend school in Ezzell.  He worked on a ranch early in life before honorably serving in the U.S. Navy.  After being discharged, Raymond went back to ranch work for a couple of years before changing careers and going to work in the oil fields.  He married Carolyn Joan Pullin on October 18, 1963 in Choate, Texas and continued to work his way through the positions in the oil field finally working as a production supervisor.  Raymond started Perry’s Pumping service where he managed well operations and gauged wells for 25 years.

Raymond loved to fish the lakes and rivers of the area catching catfish and setting perch traps that he made himself.  He enjoyed hunting deer and quail as well.  Raymond was an avid gardener and always gave more of his produce away than he kept for himself.  He enjoyed cooking and delighted in hosting fish fries for friends and family at his home.  Raymond found peace in watching football games on television and found great pleasure being surrounded by family and friends sharing stories and laughter.  Truly Raymond kept himself busy all his life, if he wasn’t working in the oil field, hunting or fishing, he was outdoors working around the house.  Raymond was appointed “Mayor of Dotyville” by family friends LaVerne and Nancy, a charge he upheld with utmost deference for the confidence that was so graciously bestowed upon him.   

His wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren filled his heart with love and clearly he filled their hearts with love as well.  He was a fair, loving and supportive father and an amazing Papaw.  He imparted qualities in them that he lived by; hard work, honesty, fairness and unconditional love.  Raymond loved to spend time with his grandchildren teaching and coaching them in life.

Raymond Lee Perry is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Carolyn Joan Perry of Gonzales, sons and daughter-in-law, Chester James Perry McLind of Colorado Springs, Colin Grey Perry and Donna of Yoakum, Kevin Jay Perry of Gonzales, former daughter-in-law, Tammy Perry of Gonzales, sister, Bernice Davis of Victoria, brothers and sisters-in-law, James Lee and Katherine Perry of El Campo, Floyd Lee and Teresa Perry of Palacious, grandchildren, Chelsea Perry, Stephen Perry (Charmayne), Stephanie Perry, Kyler Dawson, Aden Dawson and Jessica McLind, and 6 great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Gladys Hagood. 

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, February 22, 2016 in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 23, 2016 in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home with Rev. Ray Remmers officiating.  Interment will follow in Gonzales Memorial Park.  Pallbearers:  Jimmy Selzer, Steve Petty, Bubba Ruddock, James Perry, Jr, Chester Perry and Calvin Koenig.  Memorials may be made to Accolade Hospice, the American Cancer Society or the charity of one’s choice.  Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.