Robert Eugene Perry, a true grit cowboy and lifelong resident of the Texas panhandle passed away peacefully on December 11, 2020, surrounded by family.
Gene was born on July 6, 1937, in Perryton Texas, the youngest of 3 children. It didn’t take long for him to make his presence in this world known. If you look ornery up in the dictionary Gene’s picture is there. He was an athlete and cowboy through and through.
He married the love of his life on Friday the 13th June 1958 and loved to tell everyone that his dad had to sign for him to be able to marry her because he was too young. He was a true cowboy with an incredible work ethic.
He went into security while raising a family and retired from the First National Bank. He continued to find ways to cowboy all while staying busy with different security gigs. He was also a previous member of Will Roger’s Range Riders.
Gene was a family man who loved and led his family well. A strong brave cowboy that snuck ice cream to the grandkids, loved country movies, made every family member watch the movie Shane, paid out $1 bills for black eyes, made bets with the kids he knew they could win, could ride a horse like John Wayne, looked at Shirley like she hung the moon, and loved Jesus with a tough tender heart. He leaves a legacy of Jesus, a heart for the mountains, and deep unconditional love and grace.
Gene is survived by his wife, Shirley; his children, daughter Cindy Jester and husband Dale, son Scott Perry, and son Richard Perry and wife Lisa; his 5 grandchildren, granddaughter Stacy Ferguson and husband Luke, grandson Kenneth Jester, grandson Justin Perry and wife Cristina, grandson Joshua Perry, and grandson Jacob Perry; and his 7 great-grandchildren, Malorie Jester, Savanna Jester, AJ and Adam Ferguson, Jasper Jester, Wyatt Perry and Kinslee.
He is preceded in death by his parents Wyatt and Nan Perry, and his sisters Bette Mansfield, and Jane McCord; and great-granddaughter Faith Ann.
His heart always lived up in the mountains. A memorial will be held in the Enchanted Circle of New Mexico on December 28, 2020, out where his heart always longed to be.
In lieu of flowers please send to St. Jude’s 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 USA / donors@stjude.org
Gene used to come up behind me and untie my apron while I was cooking. Made me so mad!
What a wonderful husband, father and grandfather! He will be greatly missed. Memories of sharing custard pie make me smile! He’s probably having custard pie every day with Jesus!
The best friend and uncle you could ever have. He always brightened my day, and made me feel loved and secure. He will be missed terribly.
Sorry to hear of your family’s loss. For the short time I knew Gene I grew to respect & love his Cowboy ways. It was always a pleasure to visit with him. He was always joking around which I expected it because it was just Gene. He surely will be missed. Instead of RIP which I hope you do, Gene you ride high on your horse. You earned it. Love you my friend. Prayers for all the loved ones you left behind. Your Obit was spot on.
He was a great man we rode all over river road gene was a true cowboy friend christain riding pardner i loved gene gene rest in peace my friend some day i will see you again
Shirley and family. The Lord give you comfort in this time of sadness and loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Shirley and family I am so so sorry for your loss!! This wonderful God loving man or John Wayne will be so missed!! I would like to say who ever wrote this obituary for this awesome cowboy you ROCK!!! I will be keep your family in my prayers!! RIP Mr. Perry
Sue Winkle
Very sorry for the loss. Just would like to reach out to family members. Gene was living in Perryton, Tx. My husband is named William Eugene Perry. His mother, Phyllis Hill worked at the bank. I’m thinking this man could be a related.