Victor Kenneth Perry

Victor Kenneth Perry, 93, of DeRidder, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2025, in The Woodlands, Texas.

Born on December 15, 1931, in Bastrop, Louisiana, Victor was the son of James Henry Stephen Perry and Annie Lee Breazeale Perry. He was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Lucille Beattie, Dimple Raynes, Betrice Higel, and Dorothy Downey; and two brothers, James Perry and Max Perry.

Victor is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Mary Nell Ludlum Perry; daughters Jo Blankenship (Richie), Patti Singer (Tom), and Lynne Sales (Bill); grandchildren Will Sales (Karen), Robert Blankenship (Chelsey), Katie Sales, Stephen Sales (Alexa), David Blankenship (Chynah), and Lauren Blankenship; along with eight great-grandchildren who were a source of great joy to him.

A standout athlete in both basketball and football, Victor graduated from Bastrop High School before attending Louisiana Tech University on a football scholarship. He went on to earn a degree in Forestry and later a master’s degree in Forestry from Yale University, where he often recalled living simply but with determination.

Victor’s professional life reflected his passion for hard work and dedication to his field. His career led him from The Crossett Company in Arkansas, to Container Corporation in Alabama, and finally back to Louisiana with Boise Southern. Embodying the values of perseverance and entrepreneurship, he later founded Perry Forest Products, a company that became a proud reflection of his strong work ethic and love for the industry.

Service to his community was an integral part of Victor’s life. A devoted member of the United Methodist Church, he served in numerous leadership roles including Board of Trustees, Pastor-Parish Relations, Superintendent of Sunday School, and the Finance Committee. His commitment extended beyond the church as well, where he served as a Boy Scout leader, Trustee of Beauregard Memorial Hospital, a member of the Louisiana Forestry Association, and past member of the Rotary Club.

Victor’s passions outside of work and service were equally meaningful. He was an avid supporter of LSU football and baseball, enjoyed golf and bird hunting, and found great joy in cultivating his garden each year. Friends and family alike were fortunate to share in the bounty of his crops, which included kale, beans, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and blueberries.

Above all, Victor led by quiet but powerful example. He was a devoted husband, a steadfast father known for his quick wit and dad jokes, and a playful, attentive “Grandaddy” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. At its simplest, his legacy is one of service. Victor was a servant to his God, his church, and his community; Grandaddy was a servant to his family, his girls, and, most of all, to his Nell.

Victor’s life was one of integrity, service, and devotion—an enduring testament to a man who lived not for recognition, but to serve, to provide, and to love.

Funeral services will be held Saturday October 4th, at 11 am at First United Methodist Church in DeRidder, LA. Visitation will begin at 10 am. Interment will be at Beauregard Cemetery following the service. Memorials may be given to First United Methodist Church DeRidder, LA.