Earl Ray Perry

     Earl Ray Perry died September 7, 2025, in Moore, OK at the age of 90 years 6 months 17 days. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM, Friday, September 12, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Lexington, Oklahoma. Interment will follow at the Lexington Cemetery, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service.

     Earl was born February 21, 1935, in Tupelo, Oklahoma. He was the youngest of 12 children born to James Edward and Nora (Usrey) Perry. Earl's early education began in a humble one-room schoolhouse, culminating in the completion of 8th grade, before beginning at the Tupelo High School. Life took Earl across states and through challenges as he ventured to California to be near his siblings. However, after a life-altering motorcycle accident, he returned to Oklahoma, where he began to carve out a path for himself in the oil fields. Destiny smiled upon him when he went on a blind date with Betty Wiggins. Their connection was instantaneous and profound, leading to a beautiful elopement on October 2, 1954, amidst friends in Ada, Oklahoma. Together, Earl and Betty embarked on a life rich with love and purpose, welcoming their two daughters within a span of just fifteen months. The family eventually settled in Ardmore, where Earl embraced a career as a truck driver. When his father fell ill, Earl selflessly relocated his family back to Tupelo to provide care and support, eventually transitioning his job to Ada. In 1966, a new chapter began as the family moved to Oklahoma City, where Earl joined the Airline Baptist Church. It was here that he answered the divine call to ministry, embarking on an extraordinary journey of faith. He became the Pastor at Faith in Oklahoma City and later pursued further education at Hillsdale College while serving in various pastorates across the state. From Duncan to Sharon, and then Woodward, Earl's leadership flourished; he grew Elm Street Baptist Church from a modest congregation of seventy to a vibrant community of three hundred. His ministry extended beyond Oklahoma, as they moved to Colorado. Earl became the President of the Colorado Southern Baptist Convention, and then then took his vision overseas with Foreign Missions, conducting crusades in Australia—where an unforgettable flight brought him face to face with fearful passengers as his plane fell numerous miles in the sky—and in South Korea, where he planted a church that continues to impact over 400,000 lives today. Earl and Betty also lead a couple of Boys Homes in Oklahoma, as well as being the director of the Baptist Retirement Home in Madill. After years of unwavering dedication, Earl retired and settled in the Purcell/Lexington area, yet his calling remained strong. For eighteen years, he ministered to the Payne Baptist Church before retiring once again at the age of 83. Earl and Betty then became cherished members of the Lexington First Baptist Church, contributing their time and skills wherever they were needed. Earl leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and service. He touched countless lives through his unwavering devotion to God and his community, reminding each person he met of the importance of compassion, resilience, and the transformative power of love.

     Earl is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Nora Perry; his wife, Betty Perry, his siblings, Effie, Dee, Albert, Junior, John, Ralph, Ally, Roy, and 3 infants; his brothers-in-law, Floyd Wiggins and wife, Joyce, Jim Wiggins and wife, Delores, and Frank Wellner; and numerous nieces, and nephews. Survivors include his daughter, LaBetta Wallenmeyer; his daughter, Kathren Stehno and husband, Scott; his 4 grandchildren, Jessica Wallenmeyer and husband, Andrew McCabe, Jennifer Maly and husband, Jason, Julie Meder and husband, Daniel, Kolton Stehno; his 9 great grandchildren, Kaylee, Korbin, Clint, Hunter, Ryan, Luke, Amelia, Abigail, Maren; his sisters-in-law, Rosie East, Helen Wellner, Pat Cheek; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

     In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the Boys Ranch Town, 5100 E. 33rd Street, Edmond, OK 73013.