Those who knew Don Perry could quickly identify the three things he held closest to his heart.
Don Perry was vice president of corporate public relations for Chick-fil-A, Inc.
“Most of all he was a committed Christian man, secondly he loved his family and third would have to be Chick-fil-A,” said Jason Perry, the second of his three sons, who lives in Lithonia. “He loved the food, the people, the brand, all the way to Mr. Cathy himself.”
Mr. Perry spent the better part of 30 years in public relations for the Atlanta-based fast food chain, which suited him just fine, friends and family said.
S. Truett Cathy, founder and chairman of Chick-fil-A, called Mr. Perry, “a vital part of Chick-fil-A and our growth for 29 years.”
“He always had a smile and a cheerful spirit,” he continued in a prepared statement. ” I will dearly miss him.”
Donald Augustus Perry, called Don by most, of Lithonia, died suddenly Friday morning after experiencing medical distress at home. He was 60. A funeral is planned for 11 a.m. Wednesday at Hillcrest Church of Christ, Decatur. Burial will follow at Hillandale Memorial Gardens, Lithonia. Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory, South DeKalb Chapel, is in charge.
At the time of his death, Mr. Perry was the vice president of corporate public relations for Chick-fil-A. Born in Clyattville, in Lowndes County, Mr. Perry graduated from University of Georgia’s Henry W. Grady College of Journalism. He wanted to be a journalist, but took a job in public relations with General Electric after he graduated in the early ’70s, his son said.
In 1972 Mr. Perry married the former Marilyn Baker, and the couple would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in September, their son said. As their family grew to include their three sons, Mr. Perry decided he wanted to get back to Georgia. His job at GE had taken them to Louisville, Ky., Fairfax, Va., back to Louisville and could have sent the family packing again, Jason Perry said.
Source: AJC.com | Michelle E. Shaw
