Obituary of Damian Cornelius Perry

Damian, affectionately known as “Coach” Perry, entered this life July 1, 1975.

He developed a love for sports at a very young age, starting off with Pee Wee football. There was never a time that he wasn’t playing a sport. Baseball, Basketball, Track & Field, but Football truly owned his heart.

In high school, he played football all four years as a Warrior at Hunters Lane. He eventually earned an athletic and academic scholarship to Austin Peay. In 1998, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration/Marketing. His passion for education paired with his desire for success led Damian to pursue his master’s degree in Special Education, which he received in 2019 from Lipscomb University.

Utilizing his love for the game, and unable to remain in bleachers as a spectator he became a coach. Several schools in the Nashville area were graced with his presence on their coaching staff. He instilled his passion for education and good sportsmanship into his students as well, with a constant emphasis on student athlete. His guidance existed on and off the field. It was not uncommon for him to bring students or players to Sunday dinner with his family. He opened his heart and home to displaced youth and became a foster parent. He did whatever needed to be done to provide the best opportunities or his students including driving his personal vehicle to take students on college tours. Constantly pouring into others was just part of his character.

He was preceded in death by his father Booker T Shaw; grandfather L.W. Perry; aunts Jackie, Belinda, and Judy; uncles Ervin and Bernard.

Damian is survived by his daughter Makayla Perry; his mother Wanda Perry; sisters Dominique Nance, Danielle Perry, Lashonda Perry, Denise Hatcher (Jay), and Shelia Harper; uncles Clayton Perry (Cassandra), Steven Perry; aunt Betty Perry; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and students who cherished him.

In lieu of flowers please send memorial contributions to the Coach Damian Perry scholarship fund. 

Public Walk Through of Family and Friends will be held Friday, August 5, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Lewis and Wright Funeral Directors. A Memorial Service and Gathering Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Coach Perry will be held Saturday, August 6, 2022 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Sevier Park Community Center, 3021 Leland Ln, Nashville, TN 37204