Perry Anderson Jr.

Perry Anderson Jr. of Eufaula, Oklahoma passed away peacefully at his home on July 25, 2021. He was 88 years of age. He was born on May 14, 1933, to Perry Anderson and Gertrude Anderson in Okfuskee County, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Ina Anderson. Perry was a successful educator and athletic coach at Eufaula Public Schools and longtime employee of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. He served as a dedicated professional in many capacities that enhanced and improved many lives throughout his life and career. A 1951 graduate of Spring Hill High in Pharoah, Oklahoma, Anderson had a successful athletic career before entering education and coaching. He was an all-state basketball and all-state baseball player as an outfielder and pitcher and tossed a perfect game in the Oklahoma High School state baseball tournament in 1951. He attended Northeastern State University where he played basketball and baseball while earning his bachelor’s and master’s Degrees in education and counseling from NSU. Between education, athletics, and the workforce, he served our country in the United States Army serving at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. During his coaching career he was chosen Coach of the Year three times and coached the first Oklahoma Kiamichi Basketball Classic, the 1972 Oklahoma All-State Basketball team, and the Oklahoma Basketball Coaches Association All-Star game in 1996. He retired from Eufaula High School in 1987 and was inducted into the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame in 1994 with a career record of 933 wins and 303 losses as a head coach. In addition to his service as a teacher and coach, Anderson started the Eufaula Summer Youth Program in 1964. These programs offered area youth the opportunity to participate in baseball, swimming lessons and recreation activities in the summer months. He operated the program for 13 years. In honor of his service and success to the city of Eufaula and Eufaula Public Schools, the high school gymnasium was dedicated in his honor as Perry Anderson Field House in in 2011. In 1994 the street leading to the high school was re-named Anderson-Bell Drive in honor of he and longtime Eufaula football coach Paul Bell. He was also part of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation work force since the mid 1970’s and a vital part of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation being honored in 1980 as the recipient of the National SYEP Award. In 1988 he joined the Muscogee (Creek) Nation full time as a counselor and in 1992 became the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Human Resources Manager and served 22 years until his retirement in 2014. In 2016 he was honored as a Living Legend by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation for his outstanding contributions to the quality of life for MCN citizens and advancement of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation on a local and national level. He loved to hunt and fish, attend rodeos and events everywhere his grandkids participated and enjoyed listening to Charlie Pride songs. He was a loyal OU Sooner fan and enjoyed tailgating with family and friends at OU home games. He was a season ticket holder for almost 40 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ina Anderson, his brothers Fredo “Chubby” Anderson and Eugene Anderson, and son, Reggie Perry Anderson of Prague, Oklahoma. He is survived by his children, Sheril Thompson and husband Tom of Norman, Greg Anderson and wife Becky of Norman, Bruce Anderson and wife Veronica of Eufaula, and a sister, Kaye Smith and husband Pat of Okemah and daughter-in-law Bonnie Anderson of Prague. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Josh Anderson, and wife Torie of Hanna, Myka Saltsman and Jordan Miller and husband Heath of Norman, Shawn and wife Brandi, Ryan, and wife Bryna, Brett Anderson and wife Nancy of Georgian Bluffs, Ontario, Canada, Alex Nicole Anderson of Norman, Kobe, Dylan, and Zac Anderson of Eufaula. Great grandchildren, Kayden Carter, Halli Beaver, Traden, Alli, Barrett, Kutter and Blazie Anderson and Abby, Austin, Beckham, Macyn and Cade Anderson of Prague, and David and Tristan Cookson, of Georgian Bluff, Canada.