Obituary of Larry Edward Perry

Larry Edward Perry, 73, slipped peacefully, after a long illness, into the arms of his Heavenly Father in the early morning hours of November 3, 2017.

Memorial Services: 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 12, Shadow Rock Chapel, 12861 N 8th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85029.

Visitation: 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 15, Martin Thompson & Son Funeral Home, 6009 Wedgwood Dr., Fort Worth, TX 76133.

Funeral Service: Noon, Thursday, Nov. 16, Marty Leonard Community Chapel, 3131 Sanguinet St., Fort Worth, TX 76107.  

Interment: 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 16, Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211, with full military honors.

Larry's achievements in life, including among others, a standout TCU football athlete, a highly decorated Marine Infantry Officer, and a Pitney Bowes Inc. executive, were eclipsed only by his love for family, his generosity in serving others, and his friendly nature toward all who were blessed to have known him.

Born in Sherman, Texas to Odis E. Perry and Earbie Carter Perry on December 26, 1943, Larry’s family ultimately relocated to South Oak Cliff in Dallas. At South Oak Cliff High School, Larry was a multi-sport athlete excelling in football and earning a full scholarship to Texas Christian University. As a tenacious and unrelenting defensive end, he was honored as the TCU Most Valuable Player (Rogers Trophy) and awarded All Southwest Conference in 1965. His good nature and cordial demeanor off the collegiate football field, was equally admired at TCU, leading to his joining the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and his relishing the social fellowship with his many brothers. Larry was the consummate friend, loyal was his creed. Following his 1966 TCU graduation.

Larry was sworn into the U. S. Marine Corps on March 24, 1967, and following Officer Candidate School was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. During his 13 month tour of duty with the 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, FMF, in the Republic of South Vietnam, Larry participated in combat operations at Con Thien, the Battle for Hué City, and in the Battle of Khe Sahn where he earned a Silver Star (his valor in personally taking aggressive battle action resulting in saving the lives of several fellow Marines under his command), two Bronze Stars with Combat “V,” a Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V,” and two Purple Hearts. After leaving active duty, he joined the Marine Corps Reserve from which he retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He loved and was loved by his fellow Marines.

Following active military duty, Larry launched his professional civilian career as a sales representative with Pitney Bowes Inc. His leadership and interpersonal skills quickly propelled him up the corporate ladder from Sales Manager to District Director and ultimately to South West Regional Director in Phoenix, Arizona. He led his team with character and humor. Larry accomplished much over the course of his life, but he was always a believer first, and in humility he gave all the glory to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His character, service to others, and contagious laughter will forever be remembered.

Larry is survived by Janet “Lucky” Garlow Perry, his wife of 25 years, and Steve Perry and Jill Perry Fenner, his children with Jan Starnes Perry, who predeceased him, and four grandchildren.