LANCE PERRY

“Goodbye Marine, Goodbye His World”

“Yes, time to go...I decided to write this poem to let you know…Goodbye Marine, Goodbye his world.

Please don’t make me cry. It’s hard enough just saying “goodbye.” Goodbye Marine, Goodbye his world.

This is to all those people who don’t feel as though they are number one…Just remember all of the good things in life that you can do, and all that you have done. Goodbye Marine, Goodbye his world.

Please don’t make me cry…by you saying “I love you” when I don’t know why.   Goodbye Marine, Goodbye his world.

There is one thing that I would like to do – I want to stay; but like so many before me, I must say ‘Goodbye’…Today!”

-Sempi Fi

Governor Richard Williams, Retired USMC

“A True Marine, Gunny”

Gunnery Sergeant Lance Perry “Gunny” was born on November 27, 1961, in Akron, Ohio. Gunny was the third child born to the beloved Leroy Perry Sr. and Pinkie Wilson Perry. He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Leroy Perry Jr. and Lamar Perry.

Gunny attended Schumacher Elementary, Perkins Jr. High and graduated from John R. Buchtel High School in Akron, Ohio. He was well-known both in Akron and Texas. Gunny was also known by everyone for his ‘heart of gold’.  He loved sports; he played ‘Little League Baseball’ where he received many accolades.

At a young age, Gunny accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior by baptism at Antioch Baptist Church, Akron, Ohio.  His faith in Christ was honorable and commendable all the way through his final days.

After high school graduation in 1980, Gunny joined the United States Marines Corps and served active duty for over 20 years! He was a recipient of multiple official Medals of Honor.  During his career, Gunny had a total of SIX Good Conduct Medals. His last award that he received was a Good Conduct Medal “Subject to Active-Duty Recall by Service Secretary.” As the True Marine he was, he wore “many hats” in the Marines Corp.  He was an Ammunition Technician for over 17 years! Gunny was survivor in the Beirut Bombing, Operation Desert Storm, and Gulf War/Kuwait… he was a true warrior. Gunny was known for his last assignment of a Drill Instructor in which lasted for 2 years.

Gunny retired from the Marines Corp after 20 years of faithful service. Upon his retirement, he helped many veterans, homeless people, and fostered many children.  For those who knew Gunny, knew his love for chance-based games. He spent most days with daily visits to his friends at the local Tom Thumb Grocery Store and corner Gas Station. In his relaxation time, he loved watching CNN News.  He was a walking news Anchorman. Gunny was a true Marine. As the old saying goes “Once a Marine, always a Marine…” He prided himself to be known as “Gunny.” However, his greatest love of all was his family and friends.

Gunny was loved by many.  He made his transition to eternal life on July 3rd, 2022.  He fought every day until the end, battling a long-term illness, with a saying “One more day, Sis”.  He leaves to cherish his memories, wife, Monique Ortiz; devoted sister, Lynette Williams (Perry); sons, Lavon Perry (Prosper, Texas), Lance Perry Gonzalez Jr. (San Juan, Puerto Rico), and Marley Rosa (Dallas, Texas); daughters, Laticha Stevenson (Dallas, Texas) and ZaKayla Tamplin (Arlington, Texas), a host of honorary children, honorary sisters and brothers, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

We say, “Farewell Gunny…. until we meet again.”