Joe Wayne Peery

Joe Wayne Peery was born on April 24, 1934, in Groesbeck, Texas, to Jewel Pippin Peery and William Earl Peery. He was the second of four boys. Joe graduated from Bertram High School in 1951and went on to attend Southwest Texas State Teachers College (now Texas State University) on a basketball scholarship. He was inducted into the Southwest Texas State University Athletic Hall of Honor in 1985. 

From 1951 to 1955, Joe played on the college’s championship basketball team while earning his Bachelor of Science in Biology and later in 1960 his Master’s in Education. After graduation, Joe was drafted by the U.S. Army. He proudly served in the U.S. Army as a member of the 3rd Infantry Elite Old Guard which serves as the Honor Guard of the US Army, Presidential Honor Guard, and Guard of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. While in the Army he received his Sharpshooter designation and was known to show off his shooting skills into his 70s by throwing a coin in the air and shooting it on draw. 

Following his military service, Joe began a long and dedicated career in education with Alvin ISD. From 1957 to 1989, he served as a basketball coach, biology teacher, visiting teacher, and assistant principal, missing fewer than two weeks of work over 32 years.

Joe was an active member of First United Methodist Church in both Alvin and later in Huntsville. He believed in community service and gave back in many ways. Joe was on the Board of Directors for the Alvin Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the boards of Camp Mohawk and Elkins Lake and was proud to serve as President/member of the Alvin Lions Club.

Joe was blessed with two great loves in his life. With his first wife, Carol Ann Myrick Peery, with whom he had three children: son, Brent Peery and wife Karen, with grandchildren Garrett, Brooke, and Anna Carol; daughter, Holly Peery and grandson Porter, and son: Blake Peery.

Later in life, Joe married Faye Kennedy Peery and welcomed her children and grandchildren into his life: Donna Kennedy Westmoreland and granddaughter, Anne;

Donald “Bud” Kennedy and wife Tammy, with granddaughters Haley and Claire

Joe had a servant’s heart. He was always quick to lend a hand to family, friends, and neighbors—whether it was helping with a project, checking on someone in need, or volunteering without hesitation. He took pride in maintaining his yard and was known for clearing not only his own sidewalks and driveway, but also his neighbors’, with his beloved leaf blower. He never met a tree he didn’t want to trim.

Joe Peery lived a life of integrity, quiet generosity, and faithful service. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.