Donald B. Perry left this world peacefully at home surrounded by his family on August 11, 2026, after a courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Don was born March 29, 1953, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Preston and Audrey Perry. Don’s life was ultimately shaped by a love for God and a love for others. Changed by his Christian faith, he spent part of his early professional years as a youth pastor. He went on to spend most of his professional life serving others as a social worker with the Alabama Department of Human Resources, from which he retired in 2020. He earned his Master of Social Work from the University of Alabama in 1995. Later in his career, he served in staff development and licensure supervision, becoming a valued mentor to many. He also spent many years teaching the Children Cope with Divorce program in Baldwin County.
Prior to his illness, you would otherwise find him serving family and friends, making a trip to Walmart every other day, jogging the neighborhood, golfing and enjoying his fair share of mulligans, or cheering on his beloved Crimson Tide football team through many victories. Known for having a smile regardless of the situation, family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances alike knew him to be fun, goofy, genuine, gentle, accepting, and kind. Said best, “to know him was to love him.”
He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Ginger Perry; his son, Blake (Emily) Perry; his daughter, Kelsey Perry; and his cherished grandsons, Bennett and Ezra Perry. He is also survived by his sisters, Gloria (Reggie) Caudill and Brenda Perry and many treasured nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Bobby and Larry Perry; and his sister, Betty Pizzotti.
A celebration of life is planned Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 11AM at Hughes Funeral Home in Daphne, Alabama with lunch and fellowship to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (pulmonaryfibrosis.org) or the Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center (baldwincountycac.org).
Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family. Online condolences for the family may be made at www.hughesfh.com.
I truly enjoyed seeing Don, he was my daughter’s father-in law. Don always had a smile on his face, and I felt we had always known each other. He was really a friend. I remember a particular time when I was emotionally down and hurting when my wife was hospitalized, I was so discouraged. Don & Blake came and took me out to eat and their presents lifted my spirits. Neither Don or Blake said much it was just their presence and support that was so comforting at a difficult time in my life. In Don’s passing from this life to eternal life I think of 2 Corinthians 4:17-18: “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
I’ve always had a special place in my heart for Don & his wife Ginger They both served as my youth Pastors in the early 80s. Countless hours were spent with us at youth conferences, camp and the softball field. They truly were selfless and helped shape me into the person I am today. Don will be truly missed. Love and prayers to his family.
Knowing Donnie all life. Going fishing and crabing when I was little. To when we went to Mexico when the car broke down in El Passo. The most I cherish about my cousin Donnie is his guiding example of being a God fearing man, and I remember when he wasn’t Donnie I can’t wait till we’re all at home with each other
I met Don at DHR where I worked for a short time. He always had a smile and was a very kind person.
He never looked down on anyone and was willing to help anyone who needed assistance. I certainly will miss him and my sympathies to his family for their loss.
So sad to hear of Don’s passing. Always had a smile every time we saw him and always great catching up about our families and grands. Prayers for peace and comfort for his precious family 🙏