SR 713: Perry, Jr., Schley Louis; condolences

Senate Resolution 713

By: Senators Watson of the 11th, Goodman of the 8th, Walker III of the 20th, Anderson of the 24th, Sims of the 12th and others

A RESOLUTION

Honoring the life and memory of Schley Louis Perry, Jr.; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens with the passing of Schley Louis "Big Louie" Perry, Jr., on November 26, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Schley Louis "Big Louis" Perry, Jr., was born on March 10, 1939, on Pineywoods Farms in Colquitt County, Georgia; and

WHEREAS, he lived and worked for his entire life at Pineywoods Farms, which is a Georgia Centennial Farm and was established in 1830; and

WHEREAS, his only time away from Pineywoods Farms was while attaining degrees from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and later the University of Georgia; and

WHEREAS, he returned to his home to become the fifth generation to operate Pineywoods Farms, while later raising the sixth and seventh generations as a part of the Centennial Farm's family history; and

WHEREAS, he was united in love and marriage to his wife, Rebecca Perry, and was blessed with four remarkable children, Laura, Schley Louis, Jonathan, and Amanda Perry; and six wonderful grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, "Big Louie" Perry was a passionate farmer who was a continuous member of the Georgia Farm Bureau since he was 13 years old in addition to being a member of the Colquitt County Farm Bureau's Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, his passion for agriculture led him to assist his fellow farmers by participating in research trials for crops and livestock conducted by the University of Georgia Extension; and

WHEREAS, he became a tireless advocate for agriculture and held many respected positions including, but not limited to, chair of the Georgia Cotton Commission, board member of the North American Limousin Foundation, and member of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association; and

WHEREAS, he diligently advised numerous elected officials on the importance of Georgia's farms and farmers including, but not limited to, Saxby Chambliss, Sanford Bishop, Johnny Isakson, Jimmy Carter, Sonny Perdue, and Roy Barnes; and

WHEREAS, his contributions to agricultural research, political advocacy, and inclusion in the industry left a legacy felt by generations of farmers across Georgia and rural communities nationwide; and

WHEREAS, his actions earned him numerous honors and awards, including, but not limited, to the ABAC Family Legacy Award, the Master Farmer Award, and the Centennial Family Farm Award; and

WHEREAS, he extended his efforts beyond agriculture to support his community through his membership with the Colquitt Regional Medical Center's Foundation, Moultrie-Colquitt County Chamber of Commerce, and the Pineland School Board of Directors; and

WHEREAS, he also supported subsequent generations through scholarships and farm study opportunities for both Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and the University of Georgia including the Pineywoods Farm Scholarship; and

WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous man, Schley Louis "Big Louie" Perry, Jr., will long be remembered for his love of family, friendship, and community and will be missed by all who had the great fortune of knowing him.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body join in honoring the life and memory of Schley Louis Perry, Jr., and express their deepest and most sincere regret at his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family of Schley Louis Perry, Jr.