David Wayne Perry

Reverend David Wayne Perry was born September 13, 1955, in Fort Worth, Texas to the parentage of Luther and Maurine Johnson Perry, Sr. He grew up in Fort Worth and received his education in Fort Worth Independent School District graduating from Polytechnic High School in 1975. He later attended Bishop College now renamed as Paul Quinn in Dallas Texas. Reverend David Perry enlisted in the Air Force from 1975 – 1979 and was recipient of the Air Force Longevity Service Award. After Reverend Perry’s Honorable discharge from the Air Force he married Diana Marie Gwynn in January 1982 and settled comfortably in Wichita Falls Texas. Reverend David Perry was a unique individual who was sometimes referred to as a Preacher ahead of his time. He was a member of Mayfield Baptist Church for over 40 years until his health prevented him from attending in person. Reverend David Perry accepted the Lord as his personal savior at an early age. This prompted him to start his ministry at the tender age of 12yrs old. He was ordained at the age of 12yrs. by Reverend Clevers at St. John Baptist Church located in Mosier Valley Texas. Reverend David Perry was a tremendous singer and preacher. He started an exclusive Association of Young Preachers after being denied to preach in the older and established churches. Reverend David Perry assembled young preachers and they started their Young Ministerial Alliance in the early to mid-1970’s. That association produced renowned and respected Preachers such as Reverend Donald Horton, Bishop Kenneth Spears, Reverend Tate, Reverend Crane, Reverend Richardson, the late Reverend Gregory Spencer and the late Reverend Standifer just to name a few. Reverend David Perry became one of the first youth preachers to preach in places like the National Baptist Convention and the late Reverend C.L. Franklin’s Church. Reverend David Perry was a published songster as he produced his album,” If You Dance to the Music You Must Pay to the Piper” which debuted on the National Religious Tennessee Radio Station. Reverend David Perry and many of the other Preachers begin their Street Ministry, preaching on many of the eastside corners in Fort Worth. Reverend David Perry was blessed with GOD’S Interpretation of the word. He delivered his messages with clear understanding to his audiences wherever he preached. With his unique style and presentation, he attracted young people all over. This earned him the invitation to be one of the featured Preachers to preach at the National Baptist Youth Conventions in Los Angeles California in the early 1980’s. Reverend David Perry spent his later years living with his sister in their childhood home. He was well known and respected in his community and will be truly missed. Reverend David Perry is proceeded in death by his grandmothers Olivia Thomas and Aline Woods, his mother Maurine Johnson Perry, his father Luther Perry, and his brothers Paul Hawkins and Charles Hawkins and his nephew Reuben Means Hoyle III. Reverend David Perry survived by his wife Diana Perry, his sisters Yvonne Perry Means and Sharon Pearson Perry (St. Louis, MO), brothers Luther Perry Jr. (Anitra) and Kenneth Perry. Nieces Minette Means Gossett (Jermaine), Kendra Perry, Crystal Perry, Adrian Hawkins Davis (Russell), Charlotte Hawkins Wills (Greg), Pamela Hawkins, Brittany Perry and Brandi Hoyle. Nephews Jesse Means III, Kenneth Perry, Luther Perry III, Choavez Robinson, Brian Hawkins and host of great nieces and great nephews.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gwspencerdirs.net for the Perry family.