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Perry Lopez Obituary
December 12, 1953 - January 5, 2022
Columbus, Georgia - Perry Lopez, age 68, of Columbus, GA passed away on January 5, 2022 at his residence.
A memorial service will be held 1:00 PM Friday, February 18, 2022 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1130 First Avenue, Columbus, Georgia with Reverend Timothy Graham officiating. A private interment will be held at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell, Alabama at a later date according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.
Perry was born on December 12, 1953 in New York City, New York, the son of SGM, USA (Ret) Antonio Lopez Aponte and Carmen Julia Rodriguez Lopez, both now deceased. Perry was an Army "brat" but was able to complete his four years of high school in Columbus, attending Baker High School for three years and graduating from Carver High in 1972. He attended the University of Georgia and later earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Columbus College, (now Columbus State University) Columbus, Georgia in August 1989. After leaving the University of Georgia, Perry served four years of active duty in the United States Navy and was a member of the United States Naval Reserves until his retirement in December 2003, having achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He was extremely proud that he was "tested, selected, and initiated "as a Navy Chief and always carried his Chief's medallion with him. Perry was employed by the Muscogee County School District for thirty years, retiring as a systems programmer in July 2010.
Perry learned to play rugby while a student at the University of Georgia creating a lifetime loves of the game. In 2017 he attended Georgia's 50th reunion of former rugby players. He was a founding member of the Columbus-Ft Benning Rugby Club in 1984 and was an active member and president of the organization at the time of his death.
Perry is survived by his wife of 37 years, Deborah Rigsby Lopez of Columbus, GA, son Brian C. Lopez of Midland, GA, brother, Antonio Lopez of Murfreesboro, TN, sisters, Naomi L. McDonough of Tucson, AZ, Carmen Kile of Crown Point, IN, and Catherine Lopez of Nashville, TN, sister-in law Angela Rigsby Martinez, Atlanta, GA, nieces Julia Kile of Orlando, FL and Anne Martinez, Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by cousins who live in Puerto Rico and a host of friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Sheperd Center Foundation, Inc., Foundation Office, 2020 Peachtree Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30309-1465 or at shepherd..org or to your favorite charity.
To sign the online guest registry, or to offer condolences or memories of Perry, please visit www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Perry Lopez
Sponsored by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer.
Tammy Eller
February 22, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.
Katy Abney
February 21, 2022
I worked briefly w/ Perry in Driver´s Ed at Roosevelt. He was kind and independent. He was hired just before me, so he showed me the ropes. On one trip to the DDS, he changed our flat tire w/ such ease and valor! My husband and I met up w/ him and some of his rugby friends in Columbus. I think he missed his old job w/ Henry, but he was a sweet and admirable co-worker. I texted him each Veteran´s Day. May God´s palm stay tightly wrapped around Perry´s family during this challenging time.
Lynne Patterson
February 17, 2022
My condolences to family. I worked with Perry at RWS.
Rev. Dr. Thomas Peavy
February 16, 2022
Perry and I served together at Naval Reserve Center in Columbus. As a Chief Petty Officer, we share a bond that is part of Naval Tradition. He stood his watch and I am pleased to have served with him. Rest your Oars Messmate. Your watch is relieved.
Len Wilmeth
February 15, 2022
I will miss going out for breakfast after church the most. Perry is my friend and like a brother to me. May the memories of Perry comfort and bring a smile to you during this time.
Keith Metcalfe
February 15, 2022
My deepest condolences...I served with Perry at the Navy Reserve Center in Columbus, and he was the epitome of a Chief Petty Officer. Rest easy brother...
The McMullen Family and the Staff of McMullen Funeral Home
February 15, 2022
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory - Columbus3874 Gentian Blvd., Columbus, GA 31907
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