William Rhett Perry, Jr. Obituary (1942 - 2026)

William Rhett Perry, Jr., was born on June 26, 1942, in Camden, South Carolina, the firstborn of the late William R. Perry, Sr., and the late Mozelle Kelly Perry of Kershaw. Rhett graduated from Kershaw High School in 1960 and entered The Citadel as a proud member of the class of 1964 (T Company). He was acknowledged for “maximizing his enjoyment” of his college experience. A major influence in his life was Lt. Colonel T. N. Courvoisie, affectionately known as “The Boo” who became a father figure to Rhett. As Assistant Commandant of Cadets, Courvoisie was responsible for discipline, a job made infinitely more challenging by Rhett’s antics. The Colonel categorized his cadets as either “lambs” or “bums,” of which Rhett was the latter. Rhett instigated and participated in numerous pranks, among them the pink-painted tank and the infamous tunnel under the barracks. As a result, Rhett walked more disciplinary tours than almost anyone but used the time productively to plan his next escapade. In Pat Conroy's book "The Boo," the Colonel listed his "heroes”, and this dedication was added at the end: "By unanimous acclamation of 7 cadet classes, Rhett Perry '64 was the biggest hero during the period Sep.60-Jun.67." When Rhett received his orders to Vietnam, the Boo phoned him at home and said, "Bubba, you ain't got nothing to worry about. Only the good die young." and then hung up. His military education at The Citadel was interrupted in late 1963 whereupon he volunteered to serve in the United States Army finishing basic training at Ft. Jackson and Officer’s Candidate School, Engineer Branch at Ft. Belvoir, earning the rank of Second Lieutenant. He graduated from Command School at Ft. Dix and received jungle and special warfare training at several posts. Rhett deployed to Vietnam in 1967 where he was a platoon leader and later a company commander in the Infantry positioned in the Mekong Delta. He was a decorated veteran of the Tet Offensive in 1968. First Lieutenant Perry received various other medals (Bronze Star, Silver Star, Army Commendation, Gallantry Cross, and the prestigious Soldier’s Medal), but the only one that meant anything to him was the Combat Infantryman Badge which he often wore proudly, along with his Citadel ring. Rhett returned to The Citadel in 1969 as a veteran student earning his BS in Business Administration. He enjoyed a career as an investment advisor with E. F. Hutton in Columbia (and Wall Street), Prudential Bache in Atlanta and Hilton Head, and Legg Mason in Mt. Pleasant. He was a savvy fiduciary for his many clients and a mentor to many young brokers. Rhett was a gifted artist, musician and athlete. He was a member of the “Thirsty Thursday” golf group and enjoyed many, many rounds all over the Southeast and beyond. Hunting and fishing with his sons and grandsons gave him much pleasure. He was known by all for his wit, sense of humor, and imaginative storytelling. Rhett was adored by his family and loved by many friends, classmates and professional associates across South Carolina. Upon retirement, he married Lee Davis Todman in 2005 on Edisto, where he had spent summers growing up. Rhett and Lee enjoyed more than 20 years together, living at Lake Murray, enjoying fishing and boating until the Lowcountry called him back. Eventually they settled in Beaufort, gathering family and friends for more celebrations and fun. A perfect day for Rhett was watching USC Gamecock football from his recliner while also looking out at the Lowcountry marsh, the ebb and flow of the winding creeks, and the abundant wildlife, while sipping a large glass of sweet tea. He is survived by his wife, Lee Davis Perry of Beaufort; sons, William Rhett Perry, III, (Robin) of Marietta, GA, and Joseph Hollowell Sanders Perry of Sumter; three grandchildren, William Rhett Perry, IV, of Atlanta, Mary Margaret Perry of New York City, and Joseph Hollowell Sanders Perry, Jr., of Sumter; brother, Robert Daniel Perry (Patty) of Columbia; twin sisters, Melissa Perry McDow (Lee) of Easley, and Melinda Perry Hensley (Greg) of Greenville; brother-in law, James Hugh Davis, III, (Mary) of Charleston; and a number of nieces and nephews who adoringly knew him as “Uncle Crazy.” The former Cadet Senior Private Perry often attributed his successes in life to the education and values instilled in him at The Citadel, and the lifelong friendships he found there. And even with his full life, Rhett always said that he wanted to be remembered as an "old soldier.” To view Rhett’s interview with The Veterans History Project go to: https://www.loc.gov/item/afc2001001.126965/ Rhett passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. A private committal service with military honors will be held at Beaufort National Cemetery for family. A celebration of Rhett’s life will be held in Charleston at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Harry Hampton Wildlife Fund, hamptonwildlifefund.org, or the charity of one’s choice.