David Perry
September 6, 1942 ~ March 21, 2026
Cecil David Perry, of Palestine, Texas, best known as David, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, the 21st day of March 2026, at the age of 83. David was born on the 6th day of September 1942 to parents Clarence Abner Perry and Ziffie Ola Williams Perry.
David was born and raised in Palestine, Texas and for over 30 years, he was a pillar of the masonry trade, spending 23 years as a brick mason and another 10 as a proud union bricklayer. His passion for the craft eventually led him to the classroom, where he spent 25 years teaching brick masonry at the Windham School in Tennessee Colony, Texas. David wasn't just a teacher by profession; he was a teacher by nature.
Outside of work, David's heart belonged to the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman who found peace in the woods and on the water. Whether it was his children, his grandchildren, or a curious friend, he found immense joy in passing down his outdoor skills to anyone eager to learn. In his earlier years while raising his family, David's competitive spirit and love shone through coaching his children's baseball and softball teams, a journey that culminated in leading his daughter's team to two state softball championships.
David also had a green thumb and a generous spirit. Every year, he poured his time into a garden, not for himself, but for the pleasure of giving away the harvest to friends and family. He will be remembered for his strong hands, his patient guidance, and the simple kindness of a fresh vegetable from his garden.
David is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Ziffie Perry; wife, Joanne Pounds Perry; son, Cliff David Perry; sister, Joan Huffman; and his three brothers, Charles, Tony and Larry Perry.
He leaves behind his family including his daughters, Teresia Coker and husband Jimmy, and Deborah Estes and husband John, all of Elkhart, Texas; sister, Mary Beth Godwin of Houston, Texas; sixteen grandchildren; thirty-six great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren; along with many other family members and a multitude of friends.
A service to celebrate David's life is to be conducted at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, the 18th day of April 2026 at Cedar Creek Missionary Baptist Church with Jimmy Coker officiating the service. Immediately following the service, all are invited to visit and share memories of David with the family at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed towards Pleasant Hills Children's Home, P.O. Box 1177, Fairfield, Texas 75840 or Hope Station, 919 S. Magnolia St., Palestine, Texas 75801.
Memorial and cremation services for Cecil David Perry are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit his online memorial tribute by selecting the "Share a Memory" icon, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
David was a great friend. I can see his smile and hear his laugh. He will be missed. R.I.P. David.
David Perry was a friend from our years at PHS. I had no idea he was still in Palestine, TX. May he rest in peace.
Teresia, Deborah and your families as well as Cliff’s family, it is with my sincere condolences that I send my love & prayers to you all. I know this last year has been a struggle for him as well as you all trying to do what was best for him. I know he loved y’all and you’ve done the very best for him so be proud of that. My heart is happy he is now with your mom and Cliff rejoicing with Jesus and no longer suffering. Will continue to pray for y’all in the coming days and Teresia you know where I am if I can help in any way. Much love to this whole family!
To David’s family, I am so sorry for your loss, I’ve known David since grade school at the old Four Pines School. Although I haven’t seen him in many years he will be missed .
David will always be remembered by those who knew him as a guy that you could always count on for help if you needed it. He was a lot of fun and great company whether it was golf, hunting and fishing, or just hanging out cooking something good to eat. He loved his family and made time for them. David will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Blessings and prayers for all his family! Rest in peace David! I know you will be so happy to see Joanne and your Heavenly Family!
Mr. Perry was great man. I have so many fond memories of him. Its hard to pick just one.
Rip David I remember you being such a kind and loving person. Praying and Blessings love Bond family
It’s with a sad heart and some tears to hear of David’s passing. David and I shared most of the last 80+ years as friends, hunting / fishing partners, and playing sports together. David was a real friend, one anyone could count on when help needed. Not long ago he stopped by my house to visit … neither of us could hear the other, so, we just got our cell phones and talked to each other … that was David, always full of fun and wonderful stories of his many family members and fun times we had growing up together. DAD will always be in our memories as a special person who touched so many lifes of friends and family in so many special ways. Rest in peace good friend, you have earned it all.
I will always remember that I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for him jumping in the lake to save my life as we were celebrating our softball championship season. I couldn’t make it back up the fourth time and was thinking I was gone when out of nowhere I felt someone grab onto my arm and pulled me to safety! He jumped in with no hesitation! Needless to say, my mom signed me up for swim lessons at the YMCA right after that!! He was a great neighbor and my prayers and love are with his family at this time!!❤️
David was my softball coach. He helped us win state in 1977. He was a blessing in my life as he guided all. Prayers for his family.