Perry Reese McNeill

Perry McNeill, a devoted educator, engineer, public servant, and beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away after a life marked by curiosity, service, and an unwavering commitment to learning.

Born on May 3, 1936, in Princeton, West Virginia, Perry spent his early years exploring interests that would later define his life. His family moved to Honolulu, Hawai‘i, where he completed high school before entering the United States Air Force. His service took him first to Texas and later to Ankara, Turkey—experiences that nurtured both his discipline and his fascination with technology and global cultures.

On August 18, 1956, Perry married the love of his life, Agatha June Gentry, beginning a partnership of nearly seven decades marked by adventure, dedication, and shared purpose. Together, they built a family and a life filled with learning and service.

Following his military service, Perry earned an Associate degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from Oklahoma State University. He began his professional career with Sandia Corporation in San Antonio, Texas, but soon returned to OSU to continue his education. There he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, a master’s degree in natural science, and ultimately an Ed.D. in higher education—testament to his lifelong passion for scholarship.

Professionally, Perry distinguished himself in both engineering and education. He became a registered Professional Engineer in Oklahoma and Texas and took on consulting roles with far-reaching impact. His work included projects for the Ford Foundation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; the World Bank in Yemen and Algeria; and the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research. His expertise carried him across the world, where he brought insight, innovation, and compassion to every community he served.

Perry devoted more than 30 years to teaching in the College of Engineering at Oklahoma State University. He served as Head of the Department of Electronics Engineering Technology and Director of the Electronics Research and Development Laboratory. He was deeply beloved by his students, remembered not only for his knowledge but for his warmth, encouragement, and genuine joy in teaching.

He also taught a young married Sunday school class at University Heights Baptist church in Stillwater Oklahoma for many years.

After taking early retirement from OSU, Perry continued to share his expertise with Frontier Engineering before traveling with June to Indonesia for a consulting assignment. He later served as Head of the Electronics Engineering Department at the University of Southern Colorado in Pueblo.

In 1994, Perry and June moved to Denton, Texas, where he joined the faculty of the University of North Texas as a Professor of Engineering Technology. He remained there until his retirement in 2001.

Retirement, however, did not end Perry’s dedication to community life. After completing the Leadership Denton program, he developed a keen interest in civic engagement. He became Chairman of the Board at the Denton Chamber of Commerce and was elected to the Denton City Council, where he served six years before being elected Mayor of Denton. His leadership was marked by thoughtfulness, integrity, and a genuine desire to make life better for others.

Perry is survived by his cherished wife, June; daughters Michelle Kitto (Glen) and Tracy Bayliff (Kyle); grandchildren Aimee Peterson, Dylan Peterson, Abby Kitto, Reese Bayliff, and Reagan Bayliff; great-grandchildren Brianna Bradfute, Heather Lowry, and Quinn Peterson; and great-great-granddaughter Everly Stone. His legacy lives on in the countless students he taught, the communities he served, and the family he loved so deeply.

Perry will be remembered for his curiosity, kindness, humor, and tireless dedication to helping others reach their greatest potential. His was a life well-lived, and he will be profoundly missed.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Serve Denton https://www.servedenton.org or Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church https://www.standrewdenton.com