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In Loving Memory
Vernon Perry
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2/16/2010
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Vernon G. Perry, 88, of Gainesville, passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2010.
He was born in Boaz, AL and moved to Gainesville, FL in 1959 from Madison, WI.
Dr. Perry was a Professor of Nematology from 1959 on. Later, he became an Assistant and Acting Chair for the Dept of Entomology and Nematology, and served as an Acting and Assistant Dean of Research in IFAS at the University of Florida from 1978 until his retirement in 1986. He received his B.S. in 1943 and M. S. in 1949 - both from Auburn University, and his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1958. Before coming to UF, he worked as a Nematologist for ten years with the US Dept of Agriculture in FL, MD, and WI. Prior to this, he taught Vocational Agriculture at a high school in Brooksville, Alabama. Dr. Perry published a total of 75 scientific papers throughout his career, including one book. Later in his career, he became an expert on turf grass nematodes.
Vernon served in the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant from 1943 to 1946 and was stationed in the Philippines, serving in the Artillery. He participated in the planning for the invasion of Japan, which thankfully never occurred. He also served in the Reserves and was honorably discharged as a Captain.
He was a charter member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed golfing, reading, gardening, fishing, watching football, and spending time with friends, family, and colleagues.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Imogene, and five brothers and sisters. He is survived by his sons Ronald Perry (Gainesville, FL), and David Perry (El Paso, TX), and two brothers, Billy Perry and Gene Perry (Boaz, AL), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2010 with a viewing from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm with refreshments and the service at 2:00 pm at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1001 NW 98th Street, Gainesville, FL, followed by interment in Forest Meadows Memorial Park Central, 4100 NW 39th Avenue, with Reverend Sheppard Lawrence officiating.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Covenant Church Memorial Fund.
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