Alan D. Perlis

Alan David Perlis, of Homewood, Alabama, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on December 22, 2015, the Winter Solstice. Alan was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on September 29, 1943 to Rose Winer Perlis and Harry Perlis. He spent his childhood in Newton, Massachusetts where he became a life-long Red Sox fan.

Alan got his BA from the University of Vermont and went on to earn a PhD in English Literature at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. His first teaching position was at Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin. In 1975, Alan moved to Birmingham, Alabama to head the English Department at UAB where he captured the hearts and minds of so many of his students. During his tenure as an English professor, he also wrote books of poetry and literary criticism.

In the late 80s, Alan left academia to pursue a full-time career in real estate—where he assisted countless families in finding their dream home. As an accomplished realtor, he also wrote “The Unofficial Guide to Buying a Home.” Alan also continued to follow his literary career and passion by leading the “Wine and Swine” and “The Reading Club” book clubs, both for over 30 years in Birmingham.

It is no exaggeration to call Alan a Renaissance Man. He was a poet, a pianist, a guitarist, a singer, a potter, a cook, an athlete, a gardener, and a passionate reader. He was an eternal optimist who made everyone he knew feel good about themselves. He found poetry and joy in everything—his family, nature, a good book, a cup of coffee, a freshly baked pastry, a piece of white chocolate. He was a true lover of life.

Alan’s greatest passion and meaning in life was his family. He provided his family with unconditional love that most people are never privileged to experience. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Rose Winer Perlis and Harry Perlis, and his older sister, Jane Perlis Ambrose. Alan is survived by his beloved wife, soul mate, and duet partner—Beth Bradley; his two daughters by his previous marriage to Paula Perlis—Natasha Perlis (Louis Juska) and Sarah Perlis Riley (Gabriel Riley); his and Beth’s children—Charles Perlis (Abby Perlis), Stephen Perlis (Mindi Perlis), and Laura Perlis Denmark (Larry Denmark); 7 beautiful grandbabies—Lila, Zadie, Rivers, Harper, Luke, Ford, Ben, and one on the way; his beloved Aunt Miriam Sack; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, December 26, 2015 from 3:00 until 4:00 p.m. at Ridout's Valley Chapel with the memorial service following at 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please read a book, sing a song, or perform a random act of kindness.

“Man can embody truth but he cannot know it”—William Butler Yeats