Ray Perry Obituary in Montgomery at Ross-Clayton Funeral Home, Inc.

Obituary For Ray Perry

Major Ray A. Perry, USAF, Retired a resident of Prattville, AL expired September 9, 2020. Graveside services will be held Thursday, September 17, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. from Alabama Heritage Cemetery. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc initiates the Omega Chapter Ritual at Ross-Clayton Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.

Major Ray A. Perry, USAF, Retired, was born on November 30, 1960 in Columbus, Georgia to the parents of J.W. and Dorothy Perry.

At an early age, he accepted Christ at Pine Hill Baptist Church in Phenix City, Alabama. He later joined First Missionary Baptist Church in Prattville, Alabama.

Ray was a 1978 graduate of Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama.

He attended Alabama State University where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems in 1982.

While at Alabama State, Ray met the love of his life, the former Jacqueline Constance Meadows. They were married in 1984 and were blessed with two beautiful children, Tanisha and Nicholas.

Ray proudly served his country as a Communications Officer for 21 years in various capacities. He began his career as a Communications/Computer Analyst with the 552 Airborne Warning Control Wing at Tinker AFB, OK. In 1987, he was assigned to Langley AFB, VA as a Joint Communications Analyst at HQ Tactical Air Command, Director of Requirements. While at Langley, he obtained a Master of Business Administration in Information Systems from Golden Gate University. He was later assigned as an Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Instructor at Indiana University. In 1994, Ray was assigned to Standard Systems Group at Maxwell-Gunter Annex, AL as the Requirements and Analysis Branch Chief for the Air Force Global Combat Support System. He was then later assigned to HQ AIRCENT, NATO Air Force Central Europe at Ramstein AB, Germany, where he served as Chief of LAN Management. In 1998, Ray was assigned as the Chief of Curriculum and Design Application for the Nonresident Studies Directorate at Air War College at Maxwell AFB, AL. In 2002, he served as the Director of Technology Support at the Community College of the Air Force at Maxwell AFB, AL. Ray's decorations and awards include 2 Defense Meritorious Service Medals, 3 Air Force Meritorious Service Medals, 2 Air Force Commendation Medals, 2 Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards, 5 Air Force Organizational Excellence Awards, Armed Force Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, and the NATO Medal.

Although Ray retired from the Air Force in 2004, he continued to proudly serve his country as a civilian employee. During his distinguished civil service career, he led the Software Enterprise Acquisition Management and Lifecycle Support (SEAMLS) program, Information Technology Commodity Council (ITCC), and Air Force Enterprise Configuration Management Office (AFECMO). Ray's leadership and reputation was above reproach with his peers, industry leaders, and senior military leaders. He personified professionalism and stood as a mentor to many.

Ray was initiated in the Gamma Beta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in 1979. He loved his organization and was a lifetime member. He was an active member of the Epsilon Theta Sigma Chapter, where he served as Treasurer. In 2014, Ray was honored as Epsilon Theta Sigma Chapter's Sigma Man of the Year.

On the morning of Wednesday, September 9, 2020, he spread his big wings as he heard his Father call him home, leaving his loved ones with beautiful memories to cherish forever.

He was preceded in death by his father, J.W. Perry and his brother, Michael Angelo Perry.

Ray leaves to cherish his memories: his devoted wife of 36 years, Jacqueline Constance Perry; daughter, Tanisha (Zachary) Latimore of Prattville, Alabama; son, Nicholas Perry of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; grandson who he adored, Jeffery Jewel Latimore; mother, Dorothy Ann Perry of Phenix City, Alabama; brother Anthony (Soroya) Allen of Cheraw, South Carolina; four aunts, Viola Kelly of Phenix City, Alabama, Gail (Dennis) Porter and Silva Ann Casey, all of Saginaw, Michigan, and Willie Clyde Miles of Columbus, Georgia; two sister-in-laws, Jo Anne Meadows of Los Angeles, California and Denise (Herman) Hill of Fairburn, Georgia; four brother-in-laws, Gary Meadows, Sr. and Frederick (Cynthia) Meadows, all of Louisville, Kentucky, Alan Meadows of West Point, Georgia, and Joseph (Tamicha) Meadows of LaGrange, Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Special coworkers: AFECMO, ITCC, and SEAMLS teams at Maxwell-Gunter Annex, AL. Special friends: Anthony "AG" Miles, Michael "Doc" Chambers, Kevin Hamilton, Paul Askew, Jr., Alfred Boykin, Herbert Hunter, Jr., Kelvin Moore, and Josh Bush.

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I had the honor to work with Ray on a variety of technical issues over the years and while we occasionally disagreed, Ray was never disagreeable. Ray was always a great gentleman, incredibly polite and someone who I considered an extraordinary example to others. My wife and I will miss him; all whose lives he touched will as well. --Brigadier General (retired) Kevin and Shelia Wooton

My Deepest condolences to the family From Rosalind Mckay ASU family

I met Ray at Alabama State University. He was such a nice down to earth person. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. May you find comfort in your many fond memories. May God give you strength through these times. God will never forsake you
Karen L Williams ASU Class of 82

Condolences to the Perry family. Ray was a kind and thoughtful man and will be sincerely missed

My sincere condolences to Mr. Perry's family. I worked with Ray for many years as our two offices interacted with each other to meet the AF Mission. He was a wonderful man, and his smile was infectious. It was always great talking to him and catching up on a personal level while attending the AFITC in Montgomery AL. I pray that his family finds comfort in knowing that he is with his Heavenly Father and will be watching over them. God bless- Deanna & Hugh Price

Deepest Condolences To The Perry Family.....Debra & Chris (Bj) Allen.....Phenix City, Al

My deepest condolences to Ray's family, friends and fraternity brothers. I knew Ray while we were in ROTC at Alabama State University. May God hold you in the palm of His hands during this difficult time. Rest in Peace! Mahala Sawyer Culpepper, Atlanta, GA

I've had the pleasure of working with Ray as one of his Industry partners. His work ethic and enthusiasm for the tasker at hand was contagious. But most importantly I considered Ray a friend. We shared many talks about life challenges,family and business. I was looking forward to seeing him soon in Montgomery. Given the pandemic as we all know travel has been limited. My family and I know the trauma and shock of a sudden loss of a loved one. God rest Ray's soul and give his family strength as they mourn and go through the grieving process. Rest In Peace My Brother...Ken Jarrett & Family

Our paths crossed continually at Gunter and possibly in Phenix City. We grew up in different neighborhoods and went to the same high school (7 years apart). I never got the honor to work directly for him. We share the same last name (Perry) but couldn't figure out a direct family connection. Ray always acknowledged me with that same Perry smile. Prayers and condolences to the Perry family as they mourn their King.
V/R Gregg

Our sincere condolences to the Perry family & friends. Ray and I worked GCSS-AF together at Gunter in the mid-90s and again recently in HNI. Always a leader, a caring mentor and friend, a highly valued member of our team, and an even better person, Ray is sorely missed and will never be forgotten! We miss you Ray! Your family & friends are in our thoughts and prayers. v/r, Mike & Kim Symock, 24 Fairway View Dr, Douglas MA 01516

Our Deepest Condolences to the Perry family!!.....From The families of the Battle's, Lee's and Howard's

My sincerest condolences to all of the family. Ray was such a wonderful example and mentor to so many on base. A kind and very intelligent man. He will be missed by so many.

I worked with Ray while I was with the ITCC. Great guy - good heart. Look forward to seeing him again on the other side of the heavenly gates. Charley Elgin

Sincere condolences to Dorothy Perry and the dear family of Ray Perry. Arthur and Cordelia Moffett

Super guy, better person, gone to soon. Always took time to greet and speak to me wherever we met. To the family, my deepest sympathy. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants" (Psalm 116:15). God treasures the death of his people, for in their passing He welcomes them home. When our trust is in God, our departure from this life is precious in his sight. Hold on to God's unchanging had at all times, He will never leave or foresake you.

Condolences to the Perry family. I met Ray at Maxwell AFB and we served on committees together to mentor young ROTC cadets. He was a great person and served his country well. May God comfort his family. Lt Col (retired) Katie VeazieG

My sincere condolences to the family. May God Bless and comfort you during this difficult time. Ray was a great person, who will truly be missed by all that knew him. My prayers are with the Perry family. Rest in peace, my friend. Rufus Jackson Jr.

Our hearts are sadden by your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the Grace of God and the memories of Ray get ya'll through the times ahead. May God's and Mercy be upon you.
Jerome & Cassandra Hubbard Lawrenceville, GA

Our sincere condolences to the family. May God bless and comfort you during your time of bereavement. Our prayers are with you and your family. Willie "Buster" & Tonette Jones

Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your husband and father
Edward and Evelyn Boyd

Frederick, Karen & Naja Freeman made the above comment.

Our deepest condolences to Constance, Tanisha, Nick, and Jeffrey. Ray was such a nice person. We only had the opportunity of meeting him once but he made you feel as though he knew you for a lifetime. May he Rest In Peace and the family be comforted during this most difficult time.

I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Ray Perry. My heart goes out to you in your time of sorrow. Ray was one of the most genuine individuals that I have ever met. I actually met Ray at Ramstein Air Base, Germany during the mid-90's. However, I had known of him through his Uncle and cousin that was my barber when I was stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base prior to my assignment to Germany. Although Ray was a Sigma, he was very much a part of the Omega family. He will be truly missed. Our loss here on earth is heaven's gain! I pray that God will continue to grant you strength during this most difficult time. Remember, if God brought you to it, he certainly will bring you though it!!! Rest on my Friend! Grady Hannah and Family.

Constance, Tanisha & Nick, our condolence to lost of a great person. Chief as we affectional called one another was truly a great friend, person and roommate. I could speak on forever about Ray, but I think one word sums up what he was to us "Genuine." While we didn't speak weekly or monthly when we did catch up, we just started where we left off. Our last conversation was about after knowing one another for 38+ years we were finally reaching the finish line. Well my FRIEND you have reached the finish line.
Matthew 11: 28 states: Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Rest my FRIEND! C, T & N know that you have an Angel looking down on you. Ty and I as I'm sure everyone he touched are here for you. Forever in our prayers.
Derwin/Ty & Family

I'm honored to have been a high school Classmate of Ray! We kept in contact over the years. A very Classy and down to Earth guy! You will forever be missed, my brother! TJ Lamb, Washington DC

I'm honored to say, Ray was a high school Classmate of mine! We kept in contact years afterwards. He was a very Classy and down to Earth person! Lord knows, you will forever be missed. Rest in Peace Beo! Love TJ Lamb

I have know and worked with Ray for over seven years and I would be hard pressed to find a better man or friend in this world. He loved his family and all he knew.
Our hearts and prays are with the family.
v/r Tony
Anthony and Debra Goins 43467 Mountcastle Dr South Riding VA 20152

My sincere condolences to Mr. Perry's family. He will truly be missed. Rest In Peace.
Dawn Sewell Co-worker

Mr Perry was my boss at Gunter several years ago. I really appreciate him leadership. We will be truly missed. May God bless the family, as they go through this difficult time. The Law Family

Ray was my supervisor for 3 years and he was always there to support and mentor. He was a wonderful, hardworking man who was caring and could lift everyone's spirits just by entering the room. I will always value the bond we had and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family. Rest in peace, Ray. The world just lost a great one.

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

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