Ross K. Perry, age 74, passed away Friday, February 10, 2023 at Great Plains Health, surrounded by his beloved family.
Ross was born on February 4, 1949 to George “Keith” and Rachel Perry in Fremont, NE. He was one of seven siblings. He graduated from Fremont High School in 1967, before attending college at Norfolk Junior College, where he played football. He met the love of his life, Linda Magnusson while attending college. They married July 28, 1968. After graduating from Norfolk, he finished his education at Chadron State College, where he continued his football career as an Eagle. After he graduated, Ross was hired as a teacher and assistant coach, which brought him to North Platte, NE. As a summer job, Ross worked at Crossroads Datsun selling cars. Ross’s love for selling cars continued, he became part owner of Ross Perry Motors. He sold the business, and went to work for Bob Spady’s, then finished his car business career with Bill Summers Ford.
Ross wore many titles: husband, dad, brother, son, grandpa, uncle, friend, referee, Rosco, and perhaps his most well-known title, Coach. Ross loved coaching, there was nothing that lit a fire in him quite like being on the sidelines of a high school football game or down on the wrestling mat. As many people can attest to, he never quit coaching. Ross was the biggest supporter of all kids, events and schools. If it was happening, you’d be sure to find him there, with a bag of popcorn. He now has the best seat in the house and everyone has a cheering section from Heaven.
Ross and Linda have three children, Steve, Heidi and Troy and six grandchildren, Jayden, Abbie, Allie, Rylan, Reece and Drew. Family was everything to him, they were the pride and joy of his life. Life lessons came easy for him. He was full of advice, opinions and a little tough love, something they will forever cherish. Ross enjoyed giving his personal advice, whether you wanted it or not. The grandkids have fond memories of “grandpa” coaching them through several holes of golf and finding a way to hunt them down on the course. Ross was very active in their lives, making memories they will forever cherish.
Ross was very active in the community. He was involved in Lincoln County Crime Stoppers, Ambassadors, Nebraskaland Days, Mid-Plains United Way, Big Brother/Big Sister and North Platte Jaycees. He also spent 22 years refereeing college and high school basketball across the state.
Ross had several health issues throughout the years, however he never let that slow him down. He really enjoyed being out on the golf course. His love for the game brought him close to so many wonderful people, nobody was a stranger to Ross. He passed down his love for the game to everyone he met and enjoyed nothing more than a round of golf with good friends, one of his children or grandchildren. It is when he felt most alive. Ross also enjoyed swimming at the Rec Center and building friendships with the wonderful staff there. His other past times included fishing, hunting and spending time at the lake, where he opened his door to anyone and everyone.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Rachel Perry, in-laws Arnold and Wanda Magnusson, brother-in-law Norm Case and nephew Micah Magnusson.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Linda, his three children, Steve (Janis) Perry of Kearney, Nebraska, Heidi (Jay) Jones of North Platte and Troy (Lindsay) Perry of North Platte, his siblings Katheryn Perry (Dennis Chesnutt) of Fayetteville, Georgia, Vince (Debbie) Perry of Fremont, Nebraska, David (Joan) Perry of North Platte, Nebraska, Garland (Debra) Perry of Sharpsburg, Georgia, Vaughn Perry of North Platte, Nebraska, Nanette (Daniel) Buresh of LaPorte, Indiana; six grandchildren Jayden, Abbie and Alllie Jones and Rylan, Reece and Drew Perry and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at Bethel Church with Pastor Geoff Safford officiating (services will be livestreamed on Carpenter Memorial website). Inurnment will be private at a later date in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 1:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 14th with the family receiving friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which has been entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family for future designation.