Ed Perry
| Felix Edwin "Ed" Perry | |
Mississippi State Representative
for Lafayette Cpunty | |
| In office 1968–2000 | |
| Born | March 9, 1942 San Diego, California |
|---|---|
| Died | January 15, 2019 (aged 76) Oxford, Mississippi |
| Resting place | Oxford Memorial Cemetery |
| Citizenship | American |
| Political party | Democrat |
| Spouse(s) | Divorced from Rosalyn Neilson Perry |
| Children | Melissa Dooley Martha Perry |
| Residence | Oxford, Mississippi |
| Alma mater | University of Mississippi |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
Felix Edwin Perry, known as Ed Perry (March 9, 1942[1] – January 15, 2019), was from 1968 to 2000 a Democratic member of the Mississippi House of Representatives for the district based in Lafayette County He was a strong advocate for his alma mater, the main campus of the University of Mississippi located in Oxford. After leaving the legislature, Perry served as the House clerk, the top administrative post in the chamber.[2]
Perry was born in San Diego, California, Perry was one of two sons of the late Felix Everett Perry and Minnie Heald Koelsnick. In 1964, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science from the University of Mississippi, at which he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and a student body senator. In 1967, he received his law degree from Ole Miss and prior to his death had been honored for fifty years of legal practice.[3]
For a time, Perry was the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and the Judiciary A committee, which oversees criminal and civil law. He ran for House Speaker in 1988 but lost to Tim Ford of Tupelo, a fellow Democrat.[2]
A lawyer known for his oratory, Perry frequently recited what is called "the whiskey speech", first given in the 1950s by another representative, Noah "Soggy"" Sweat. The speech examines the issue of legal liquor sales and shows how lawmakers can justify either stand that they take. The speech contends that opposition to liquor sales is justified because drink is "a bloody monster that defiles innocence"; on the advocacy side, drink can "enable a man to magnify his joy and his happiness."[2]
His former colleague, Representative Steve Holland, a Democrat from Plantersville in Lee County, described the whiskey speech as "worldwide famous" because Perry used it so many times at public gatherings. Holland termed Perry "one of the most brilliant legislators that ever served."[2]
Perry's legislative papers are housed in the University of Mississippi Library.[2] Ed Perry Boulevard in Oxford is named in his honor.[3]
References
- ↑ Edwin Perry. Mylife.com. Retrieved on January 16, 2019.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Former Mississippi lawmaker Ed Perry of Oxford dies at 76. Bryan-College Station (Texas) Eagle (January 16, 2019).
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Felix Edwin "Ed" Perry obituary. Waller Funeral Home, Oxford, Mississippi. Retrieved on January 17, 2019.