Perry's career was cut short by his untimely death due to cancer. But he set an amazing record of achievement during his lifetime. He began his coaching career at Guernsey Catholic High School from 1979-1983. He then became an assistant coach at Berlin Hiland for one year before being named head coach there in 1984. His last season was the 1999-2000 season. His teams at Hiland won 304, while losing on 85; thus winning 78.1% of their games.

During those 16 years at Hiland they were in the Final Four in 1986, 1992, 1998, 1999, and 2000. They were State Champs in 1992. They had 11 Sectional Championships and also 11 Inter Valley Conference Championships.

Perry was a graduate of Canton Timken High School and Muskingum College. He was selected as a National High School Coach for representing that group at a camp and coaching clinic in Leeds, England in 1983.

Among his coaching honors were: Associated Press Coach of the Year in 1990 and 1999; Division IV Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 1990; East District Coach of the Year in 1985, 1986, 1990, 1993, 1995, and 2000; IVC and District 5 Coach of the Year five different times; selected as Head Coach in the East District All-Star Game in 1992; and a District Director of the OHSBCA. He also coached reserved volleyball from 1992-1998; freshmen volleyball in 1991; varsity volleyball in 1990; and boys track in 1986. In 1986 he coached the freshman basketball team, as well as the varsity.

Coach Reese was a man whose professional career transcended race and religion. He pushed players to perform at maximum efficiency. Those who went through his program developed and undying love for the coach. That love was reciprocated for he would do anything for his kids. Perry was well respected by the entire community and by his opponents as well. He was a credit to the coaching profession. He represented the virtues of teaching and education.