Philip Murray Perez

Philip was born on November 22, 1964, in Galveston, TX, where during his high school years at Ball High School, he developed a passion for Tennis. He used these skills in college and attended Oklahoma Baptist University on a tennis scholarship and earned degrees in Finance and Marketing in 1989.

His passion for the sport continued as he pursued a career in tennis. Initially he was a Professional Tennis Player and played on the ATP tennis satellite circuit and achieved a ranking of 720, as well as winning a National Mixed doubles title (1999) with a USTA tennis team, and held several high rankings in Men’s Open, 35 and 40 flights through 2008 at the State and National level. Philip was also a teaching pro and achieved the rank of USPTA Elite Tennis Professional where he specialized in developing junior programs which he did at several clubs in the Houston area and included travels to Australia and New Zealand as a personal coach. One of his proudest achievements was coaching and developing the St. Joseph High School team in Victoria, Texas, where he led them to the state tennis tournament (2014-15) in less than three years, a first-time event for the school

In 2015 Philip reconnected with a college friend, Jackie Waddle Nelson and the relationship moved from friend-zone to love-zone in 2017. After being a bachelor his whole life, he was so incredibly happy to marry his soulmate in October 2021 in Galveston, after which they continued to live in Coppell, Texas. Philip enjoyed spending time with family and friends (in person or on the phone), singing karaoke, playing tennis – especially with Jackie, and walking loyal dog Spot where they befriended many neighbors. A favorite memory was time spent rollerblading with friends around downtown Houston after college, a pastime fostered by his sister Irene who taught him to roller skate at an early age to the lyrics “I Got a Brand-New Pair of Roller Skates.” From the song A Brand-New Key.

Philip was also an avid sports fan enjoying football, baseball, basketball, and especially tennis, and was privileged to attend the US Open, Wimbledon, French Open and Indian Wells tennis tournaments, several bucket list items. As Philip would explain, older brother Larry brainwashed him at an early age to watch NFL games and be a Pittsburgh Steeler fan. During their honeymoon Jackie took Philip to attend a Steeler game at Heinz Field, another bucket list item. From an NCAA football standpoint Philip was first a UT fan, but through persuasion and marriage he became an OU fan attending several Sooner games (not necessarily a bucket list item).

Philip is survived by his wife Jackie and her children (Andrew and Madison), Mother Patricia Perez, Sister Irene Perez, Brother Lawrence Perez, Nephew Jordan Perez (Summer), Aunts Carmen Martinez, Margaret Martinez, and Uncle Lawrence Martinez. He is preceded in death by Father YP Perez, Brother Gerald Perez, Uncles Gabriel Martinez and Agapito Perez, Aunts Valentina Martinez, Antonio Ortiz, and Leonora Montemayor.

Although Philip did not have children of his own, he always said he had many children as all that he coached were loved. Additionally, Philip treasured relationships and memories with family and friends and valued each regardless if the timespan was a day, a year, or fifty years. He was blessed with many long-term friendships, several of whom provided support during his hospital stay, special thanks to Tom Ryder, Neil Dombrow, Suzanne Dickinson, Katherine Cox and family Jordan Perez, and Donna Lewis.

The family also wishes to thank the teams at Medical City Dallas – the Surgical Liver team led by Dr. Tiffany Anthony and the Surgical ICU team for their technical expertise, wonderful care, and genuine compassion. The level of care and support was instrumental in guiding the family through the complex medical processes and provided comfort during an exceedingly difficult time.

Funeral Arrangements: Philip’s family will receive visitor’s beginning at 10:00am on Friday, December 6, at St. Patrick Catholic Church (3424 Avenue K, Galveston, TX). A funeral mass will follow at 11:00am.

Save the date: A Celebration of Life event will be held in the afternoon on January 4th in Coppell, TX – details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to the following charities:

· Taylor’s Gift Foundation: supports families of organ donors based in Coppell, and a way to honor the gift of Philip’s liver donation. To give, please click here.

o Additionally, please sign up to become an organ donor if not already one to “Outlive Yourself.” Login to Taylor's Gift Foundation to register and learn more about the organization. visit https://www.taylorsgift.org/

· The Christina Grillo Sullivan Foundation: a Galveston organization that Philip and Pat Perez volunteered. The foundation supports children and adults with intellectual and physical challenges. Visit http://Christinasullivanfoundation.org.