Dr. Terrell Perry

Dr. Terrell Allen Nixon Perry, 80, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri departed for heaven April 13, 2024.

He was born in Poplar Bluff, July 2, 1943, to the late Fern Marie and Allen Perry. ‘Nick’, as he was known to most, was the middle child, having one sister and one brother.   

Nick graduated from Poplar Bluff High School in 1961. He went on to graduate from SE Missouri State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. In addition to earning Master’s degrees in education and administration, Nick held a Ph.D. in Philosophy and Theology from Trinity University.              

As a member the United States Air Force, Nick proudly served his country from 1961 to 1969 during the Vietnam war. He achieved the rank of Technical Sergeant (E-6) and received an honorable discharge.        

On April 6, 1962, Nick married his high school sweetheart, Martha Lee Jones. They met at the local bowling alley, where he worked as a ‘pin boy’. They enjoyed picnics on Black River, attending Three River Raider games, and vacationing in their RV. They were married 33 years before her passing in 1995. 

Nick was an educator in the Poplar Bluff School System teaching various elementary grades throughout the district. He found his niche teaching the ‘SINGS’ program. 

As a devoted Christian, Nick was an ordained minister in the United Methodist church. His main congregation was Agee UMC. He also served congregations in Qulin, Doniphan, and Oxly, delivering three sermons every Sunday. 

Nick had a lifelong love of anything electronic, especially when it came to building computers and ham radios. This love led him to earning an “Amateur Extra-Class” license in Ham Radio; the highest-class license available. He used this expertise to teach geography to his students, where they would contact people all over the world, including the space shuttle, and the International Space Station.   

 Later in life, Nick’s favorite pastimes were going out for pizza, watching sci-fi movies, and taking country drives with his son. 

 Nick was preceded in death by wife, Martha Perry; mother, Fern Marie Perry; father, Allen Perry; brother, David Perry; and two grandsons. He is survived by his son, John and his wife Vickie Perry; sister, Twilla Hart; daughter, Terri and her husband Jeff Galbraith; three grandsons and four great-grandchildren. 

Nick’s son, John, and sister, Twilla, were by his side during the final hours of his life. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. 

Visitation will be at noon Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services. Funeral service will follow beginning at 1 p.m. with Rev. Jim Schremp officiating. Internment, with full military honors, will be held at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Poplar Bluff.