Ronny (Ron) Dale Perry, age 63, born August 30, 1954 in Madisonville, KY, raised in Nashville, died at home on Monday, July 2, 2018 with his wife by his side. Ron is survived by his parents, Jimmie Dale and Ola Mae Clayton Perry, his wife, Susan Anderson Perry, his son Andrew Philip Perry, grandchildren Reagan and Amelia, brother Gary (Linda), their daughters Sara (Brian) Houck and Amy (Ruben Garcia) Perry, great-nieces and nephews: Elise, Audie, Emery, Mirielle, and Nathan (Ron’s godson) Also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. Ron attended Aquinas College in Nashville on a baseball scholarship, served in the U.S. Navy, graduated from UT Knoxville, and received his master’s degree in library science from Vanderbilt University.
Ron was employed by the Nashville Public Library for over 30 years and was manager of the Reference Division of the Main Library for over 20 years. He led the Great Books discussions throughout his career and also book groups for prisoners and senior citizens. He coordinated programs such as Shakespeare Allowed!, SCORE, and assisted with the Courtyard Concerts.
Ron was a caring and thoughtful son, a loyal brother, kind and loving father, a very special Papa to his grandchildren, and a most wonderful husband. Faith and family were always central in his life. He was a lover of poetry, philosophy, birds, pears, Mozart, and country music.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:30 a.m. on Monday, July 9, 2018 at West Harpeth Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be held on Sunday from 2-5 p.m. and on Monday from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. prior to the service. Burial to follow at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Gilda’s Club of Nashville, Alive Hospice or the charity of your choice.
July 5, 2018 1:26 pm
Gary,
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Losing a sibling is a very particular type of grief. God Bless You!
Chris Chambers
July 5, 2018 2:00 pm
Susan,
I am so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Suzanne
July 5, 2018 4:29 pm
Praying for strength and comfort. God be with you.
Pam
July 5, 2018 8:38 pm
Gary, we are so very sorry for your loss. Our hearts break for you and all of your family. May your precious memories give you comfort and peace. Sending our love and prayers. Jerry & Renee
July 6, 2018 9:59 am
Dear Gary, Linda and family,
We are heart sick for all of you and pray that peace and good memories will soon replace the heartache.
Love you guys,
Janet and Ky
July 6, 2018 11:09 am
Andrew, Susan, an the Perry family, I’m very sorry for your loss. Me an Andrew became friends at four years old and have been friends ever since. I remember Ron taking me and Andrew to Sounds games at Greer stadium, going for rides around the neighborhood in the back of his white pickup truck making the last stop at the Mapco to get a bottle of Cheerwine or Tahitian Treat, the state fair, and many other fun places to keep me and Andrew busy. Those memories will never be forgotten and he was a big reason why I had such a great childhood. I grew up without a father my whole life and Ron was always there for me like his I was his own son. He is one of the reasons I’m the man I am today. Andrew you like my brother and I’ll always be there for you. The world lost a great man and he will never be forgotten. Much love to the Perry family
Benjamin
July 7, 2018 6:28 pm
Thank you so much for sharing and for your support Ben.
July 8, 2018 2:51 am
Thank you for sharing such a nice testimony about Ron with our family.
July 7, 2018 3:56 pm
To all the family, we are strongly keeping you in our preyers and close in our heart’s at this time .
The Lord will give strength and peace .
Love each one . Deward and Noemi and David
July 7, 2018 8:27 pm
Sorry to here about your brother Gary, are hearts and prayers will be with you in this hard times. Again sorry for your lose.
July 7, 2018 9:30 pm
My deepest sympathy to all of the Family. I’ve been fortunate enough to know Andrew for over the last 16 years, my heart goes out more than words can extend on the loss of his Dad and to his children on the loss of their Papa. Cherish the wonderful memories, love and prayers to all. I am so sorry.
July 8, 2018 1:57 am
My deepest sympathy to Susan, Gary, Andrew and the Perry family. We truly are poorer for the loss of Ron.
Ron was someone who was really genuine and while very smart and accomplished was always humble and modest.
He was a great friend, boss at the Main Library for many years and awesome zen golfer!
He balanced a lot of things in his life, always managing and generous with his time and was obviously a really good father and grandpa.
I’ll always remember him fondly from the never ending debates and discussions out on the golf courses he liked so much to just the way he always was, funny, quirky in a good way and real. A great guy.
July 8, 2018 10:48 am
Goodbye, Ronny. You were part of my life for so long, it was always good to know you were out there, somewhere. I treasure your memories, I still have the Bible you gave me. Thank you for your good influence on me. I hope you have peace, and that all your loved ones will be comforted.
July 8, 2018 5:01 pm
Andrew and family, our deepest condolences for your loss. We were so sorry to hear about his passing. We hope that the love of family and friends will guide you through this hard time. We will pray for peace and comfort for all of you.