Mr. Guy Douglas Perry's Obituary
Guy Douglas Perry, of Dadeville AL, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on November 10, 1932 in Edison, Georgia to William C. Perry and Edith Murphy Perry, Guy’s life was a testament to his faith and his unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and community.
Guy is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 67 years, Martha Pearson Perry of Dadeville, AL, and their three daughters, Susan Campis (Mark) of Atlanta GA, Beth Smith (Danny) of Birmingham AL and Diane Harder (Brandon) of Birmingham AL. He took immense pride in his role as a grandfather to Kadie Smith, Perri Campis Cooper (Donn), Daniel Smith (Mary Ann), Kyle Campisi (Morgan), Ben Smith, Edi Campis Zingeser (Eero), Noah Smith, Sarah Douglas Thompson, and Alynn Harder. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren Heidi and Elsie Smith, Pearson and Avery Cooper, and Eilo Zingeser. Guy also leaves behind his brother, Ray (Mary) Perry, who together with Guy’s extended family will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, William C. and Edith Perry, his brothers, William “Pat” Perry and Bobby Perry, and sisters-in-law Delores Perry and Donna Perry.
Guy’s education was marked by his earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Auburn University, which laid the foundation for his successful career and lifelong love for Auburn football. His professional life was characterized by dedication and excellence, paralleled by his active involvement in various associations where he shared his expertise and passion for his field.
Guy began his career in 1955 participating in the Westinghouse Electric Corps Graduate Student Training program in Pittsburg PA. He then served active duty in the Air Force, training in the Air Defense Command and a tour of duty in Germany. During his time as a pilot in the Air Force, he flew T33 and F86D planes. He moved to Huntsville in 1958 and went to work with the Army Ballistic Missile Agency at Redstone Arsenal contributing to important projects such as the static firing of Redstone, Jupiter, Saturn 1, Saturn 1B, RL-10 engines and Pershing missiles. He later transferred to NASA working his way up to deputy lab director at the Marshal Space Flight Center Lab. After retiring early from NASA, he began his work with the Space Shuttle program at United Space Boosters, Inc. (USBI), where he eventually retired as Senior Vice President. In 1994, Guy was the winner of the Huntsville/Madison County chapter of the National Management Association’s Manager of the Year Award.
As a Christian, Guy lived his faith every day. He was an active member of Dadeville United Methodist Church, where he found deep joy in studying the Bible and teaching his Sunday school class. His commitment to his faith was evident in every aspect of his life and served as an inspiration to those who knew him.
Guy had an array of interests that kept his hands busy and his mind sharp. He enjoyed woodworking, creating beautiful pieces that were as practical as they were artistic. His love for reading was surpassed only by the pleasure he found in working in his yard. Guy’s farm, where he raised goats, was a source of pride and joy, and his experience flying airplanes spoke of a man who was always reaching for the skies.
Above all, Guy will be remembered for the wisdom he imparted, the kindness he showed to everyone he met, and the unwavering love he had for his family. His life was a beautiful example of hard work, dedication, and the power of faith. As we mourn the loss of such an extraordinary man, we also celebrate the remarkable life he lived and the countless ways he enriched the lives of those around him.
Guy will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to live on through the family he cherished, the community he helped build, and the many lives he touched with his generous spirit.
A Celebration of Life service for Guy will be held Friday Oct. 10, 2025, at 11:30am at the Chapel of Langley Funeral Home in Dadeville, AL. Rev. Lee Smith will officiate. The family will receive friends on Friday Oct 10, 2025, from 10:30am to 11:15am at Langley Funeral Home.
Memorial donations can be made to Dadeville UMC.
Langley Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Guy Perry.
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