The Gainesville Community mourns Perry C. McGriff Jr., a man who inspired and befriended many.
Exemplary son, loving husband, devoted father, doting grandfather, star athlete, supportive mentor, successful businessman, community politician and dedicated philanthropist
Have you ever met someone who made you feel absolutely special? I would venture to guess that hundreds of people in our community have — in knowing Perry C. McGriff Jr.
The news of his passing washed over me in waves of sadness for not being able to see him one more time, regret in not thanking him enough, and the undeniable loss for his family and our community.
I am not a member of Perry’s family or close circle of friends — just a community member he blessed through the years with his time, support and collaboration. I was also fortunate to once work with his son, Matt, and Perry and I always spoke about it with fondness.
Perry was a Gainesville High School alum. He attended the University of Florida and started his insurance career all here in our town. He and his beautiful wife, Noel, created a lovely family with five children and 15 grandchildren.
Perry’s life history reads like a “how-to” book for doing the right thing, acting with kindness and helping others. He took on countless titles over the course of 79 years: exemplary son, loving husband, devoted father, doting grandfather, star athlete, supportive mentor, successful businessman, community politician and dedicated philanthropist (just to name a few). His tireless efforts in wearing each mantle with respect, strength and love have been inspirational.
Perry embodied the spirit of the true community champion, planting roots in Alachua County that grew deep and spread wide across our area and our state. He worked with over 35 community organizations throughout his lifetime, ranging from youth sports to banking to blood centers.
It was in his exemplary work with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers that I was closest to Perry. He was a dedicated board member and hero of the Five Points of Life Foundation. He was also a “Galloneer” blood donor 67 times over, and donated platelets well over 100 times. I worked with him through my involvement in the LifeCord Cord Blood Bank — his energy and commitment to saving lives was relentless, and thousands of people unknowingly owe him thanks.
The beauty of my relationship with Perry is that it is not unique. I am simply one of hundreds of people who have been inspired, supported and befriended by him. We each share a thread of the collective memory of his actions and his warmth as it weaves through all layers of this community. We each have at least one personal “Perry moment” that made us smile and feel special and strong. A lot of us have multiple moments and are just now stringing them together as we remember this most amazing man.
Perry had a great sense of humor and a fabulous laugh. His hugs were sincere, his smile infectious and his intent always kind. Perry also had a not-so-secret hidden talent: photojournalism!
Everyone knows that if something was happening in Greater Gainesville, Perry would be there to take pictures. He didn’t just chronicle the important people and the important moments. He would walk around a gathering and photograph everyone, like a polite and friendly paparazzi who always wanted to get you at your best. It made all his photo subjects feel special and important.
His family shared that Perry’s computer hard drive has over 2,000 names matched to the faces throughout his pictures. He took the time to match our names and faces — to him we were all special.
The best part of being in a Perry photograph was that he would sometimes gift you with a print months or years later. Seemingly out of the blue, he would deliver the print to you and say, “I thought of you and thought you might like a copy.” That simple sentiment was very powerful; it was touching to be in his circle of thought and compassion.
That circle is a most precious gift to our community, and it is one of his great legacies. To know that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people who were woven into his life and can be connected to each other through their shared Perry circle is truly a blessing.
Imagine his glee if we all took a moment, joined hands with one another and then got to work making things just a little bit better?
#LiveLikePerryQuotes:
“I will always remember Perry’s spirit of giving. He really cared about people and made everyone around him feel special.” – Nancy Eckert, CEO of LifeSouth
“Perry was always Perry. He was so consistent throughout his entire life; people usually have a hard time doing that — from his work ethic to his community involvement, his faith and his love for athletics.” – Lee McGriffSide Bar
A Poem About Perry written by Carolyn Rion
“When Perry and Noel decided to wed
Their future was not very clear
But something in sports seemed the obvious choice
They certainly wouldn’t stay HERE.
To Chamberlain High School in Tampa they went
Coaching ball was an absolute thrill.
They loved every minute they spent with the kids
And cherish those memories still.
But one day a fella said, “Hi there big guy…
I’m from a professional team.
Come play ball for me, you’ll love it, you’ll see.
Don’t give up your Number One dream.”
He loved playing ball, he gave it his all
But sadly he just couldn’t make it.
With grace and good will he simply exchanged
His jock for a tie and a jacket.
Insurance became his number one game.
He played it with consummate skill.
He went to the top, but still didn’t stop,
Determined to be better still.
So we’ll show you now, the why, where and how
His business became so successful.
“I want some protection against falling trees
And hurricanes, fires and explosions.”
“I’m so sorry dear, but Perry’s not here…
His church has him doing devotions.”
“My health is quite good, but everyone should
Have a policy writ on their life.”
“I’m so sorry dear, but Perry’s not here…
He’s off on a trip with his wife.”
“McGriff said drop by, he’d certainly try
To help insure my new boat.”
“I’m so sorry dear, but Perry’s not here…
Rotarians needed his vote.”
“These things I have here are really unclear
My insurance needs some direction.”
“I’m so sorry dear, but Perry’s not here…
He’s running hell bent for election.”
“We’re just new in town so we came on down
We’ve heard that McGriff is the best.”
“I’m so sorry dear, but Perry’s not here
His cycling team headed out west.”
“My two teenage sons and some other ones
Took my car out and gave it a beating.”
“I’m so sorry dear, but Perry’s not here…
The GSOC had a meeting.”
“While I’m overjoyed, I’m still paranoid
‘bout the threat of a possible flood.”
“I’m so sorry dear, but Perry’s not here…
He just gave a bucket of blood.”
“Well…hello my dears…I need volunteers
Is Perry too busy for me?”
“Oh good gracious no, he’ll see you I know…
For that he is never too busy.”
And in recent years, his camera appeared…
He captured your bright smiling faces.
You were important to him
You were always his friend…
And he cherished your many successes.
We’ll always remember the things that he’s done
The love and support he’s shown everyone.Perry’s still HERE [his family]…and Here [our community]…and Here [my heart], in so many ways…And his spirit will guide us, the rest of our days.”
— Read at his service by Marilyn Tubb and Carolyn Rion.
Photography by Justin Duncklee