Dr John Richard Petry

Birth date: Nov 28, 1927 Death date: Dec 12, 2021

Dr. John Richard Petry, 94, of Memphis, TN, passed away Sunday, December 12, 2021. John was born in Columbus, NE on November 28, 1927 to Arno Louis Petry, Sr. and Audrey Ethel Gibbon Petry. He earned a B.A. (1948) and M.S. (1953) Read Obituary

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Carolyn Gibson

156w ago

Just now learning of Dr. Petry's Homegoing. My years as a graduate research assistant in the Bureau of Educational Research and Statistics provided a rich learning experience for me and the opportunity to be mentored by strong, Christian professors like Dr. Petry and Dr. Harry Bowman. John and I remained close friends throughout the years and during his time as U of M KDP Advisor and his term as President of KDP, an international Honor Society in Education. John loved to laugh; he was friendly, kind, and he made a difference. The world is a better place because John was in it, and now, Heaven has grown ever richer. My belated condolences to his precious daughters who took such good care of him. Dr. Carolyn McKellar Gibson

Mary Brignole

193w ago

Dr. Petry was the most influential person in my life to date. He served as my Academic Advisor when I entered The University of Memphis as a 47 year old Freshman.in 1994. He guided me through the challenges of academia all the way to graduation--always encouraging and supportive, He was always available when I had questions or concerns of which there were many. He became a friend and mentor over the years. At the graduation ceremony he sat with my family.

Our connection did not end there, though. Because he was such a great advisor, I set a career goal of becoming one myself. During my graduate school years, we worked together in Kappa Delta Pi honor society. When I became a new Academic Advisor, he frequently called or popped over to my office to see how I was doing in the job. In 2007 when I had surgery, he and his wife were the first to visit me in the hospital. In 2018 when I retired from the U of M, he came to my retirement party,

My deepest regret is that I did not stay in touch these past couple of years due to family circumstances. I did not learn of his passing in time to pay respects at his service but in this message I offer my sincerest condolences to his family.

Kathy Jarrell

195w ago

I enjoyed talking with Dr. Petry whenever he called Kappa Delta Pi. Our talks covered a myriad of subjects ranging from music to religion to philosophy. At the end of every conversation he would give me a math "quiz". He was a very kind man and I will really miss our conversations. My deepest condolences to his family.

Kappa Delta Pi Board And Staff

195w ago

Planted a Memorial Tree in honor of John.

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Tonja Eagan

195w ago

in honor of John.

On behalf of Kappa Delta Pi's Board of Directors, staff and members, we are deeply saddened to learn of Dr. Petry's passing. His legacy with KDP will live on for many generations to come as KDP members strive to be teachers of excellence and follow in his footsteps. Tonja Eagan, CEO, KDP

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Walter M. Mathews

197w ago

John was a friend since before I knew him: Behind the scenes, working with Harry Bowman at Memphis State University, he helped organize and create the Mid-South Educational Research Association in 1972. He went on to be a reliable pillar of the organization and to follow in Harry's footsteps as Executive Secretary from 1997-2006, bringing MSERA into the 21st century.
John was a unique personality: friendly, clever, kind and impish. He was everyone's favorite smiling welcomer at the registration table at each year's annual conference. We have missed him there for the past several years...and, now, with his passing, we miss him even more. But we all have wonderful memories of John, and his supportive and caring ways. Farewell, my friend. --Walter M. Mathews

Robin Bowman

197w ago

Dr Petry was a kind and wonderful man. I am thankful to have known him and cherish his memory. John was kind enough to pay his respects when dad died. I was so happy to see him. It brought back wonderful memories and gave testimony to his caring and kind nature. God bless John Petry and may he find rest in his heavenly home.

Roy Cavarretta

197w ago

I cannot say enough about my Uncle John. He was a wise and gentile man and even though he was well educated he never spoke over your head . I enjoyed listening to his stories about his life experiences and he was always interested what was going on in my life. My mother was so proud to have John as a brother as were his other siblings.
Roy Cavarretta

Gary Cunningham

197w ago

My Uncle John was such a caring and an all around nice man. We will miss you Uncle John.

Anonymous

197w ago

Sent a Beautiful in Blue to the Petry family.

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