HONORING THE LIFE OF THOMAS NELSON PERRY

HONORING THE LIFE OF THOMAS NELSON PERRY

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 35 (Friday, February 21, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 35 (Friday, February 21, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E148] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF THOMAS NELSON PERRY ______ HON. RANDY K. WEBER, SR. of texas in the house of representatives Friday, February 21, 2025 Mr. WEBER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember a man who exemplified the American spirit--Thomas Nelson Perry, a dedicated veteran, successful businessman, and steadfast community leader. On January 24, 2025, Thomas went home to be with the Lord, leaving behind a legacy of service, integrity, and devotion to his family and country. From an early age, he demonstrated a commitment to service, joining the Air Force Reserves while still in high school before enlisting in the United States Army. Rising to the rank of staff sergeant, he served as an instructor at the Army Signal Corps School in Fort Gordon, Georgia, and played a role in history by monitoring the Soviet Union's launch of the first-ever satellite, Sputnik. After his military service, Thomas applied his technical expertise as an electrician before transitioning to sales, where his talent and tenacity led him to secure a historic contract with NASA while working for Smith Corona. He later built a successful decades-long career with Monsanto, serving as a sales manager in the Astroturf and Fome-cor divisions. It was during this time that he met his beloved wife, Mary Lou, with whom he built a life full of love, adventure, and family. Together, they welcomed their son, Brandon, while living in Atlanta before retiring to Galveston. Thomas's retirement years were no less impressive. An avid sailor, he explored the Gulf of America aboard his beloved vessels, the Gloria Del Mar and later the MV Mary Louise. Even as age made sailing more difficult, his commitment to service never wavered. He dedicated his time to charitable work with Lighthouse Charity Cooking Texas, served his community with pride, and remained actively engaged in local Republican politics, always bringing his sharp wit, deep patriotism, and unwavering sense of justice to the causes he held dear. Later in life, Thomas moved back to Atlanta to be near his grandson, John, cherishing the time spent watching him grow and sharing in his love of sports. His legacy of faith, family, and service will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him. May God bless the Perry family during this time of mourning. We honor the life of Thomas Nelson Perry--his dedication to his country, his commitment to his community, and his enduring love for his family. His impact will not be forgotten, and his legacy will live on for generations to come. ____________________