OKINAWA, JAPAN — September 5, 2009 — A Department of Defense Education Activity teacher passed away in his Yomitan-son home on Tuesday, Aug. 24.

Perry L. Wilson, a Computer Technology and Business teacher at Ryukyu and Kadena Middle Schools located on Kadena Air Base, was discovered by off-base housing agency personnel. DoDEA officials were notified by the housing personnel at 5 p.m. local time the same day.

The cause of death is unknown but officials do not suspect foul play.

Wilson began his tenure with DoDEA in 2003 as a Business and Computer Science teacher at Kadena High School. He went on to serve as a Educational Technologist at E.C. Killin Elementary and Kubasaki High schools before later returning to the classroom as a Computer Science teacher at Kadena Middle School. Wilson then joined the faculty at Ryukyu Middle School in 2008 and was scheduled to teach at both Ryukyu and Kadena Middle schools this year.

Prior to joining DoDEA, Wilson served 2 years in the U.S. Navy.

In a letter last week to the KMS and RMS communities, RMS Principal Paul Currier described the impact on the schools, “Mr. Wilson was an integral part of both middle school campuses, sharing his expertise with students, faculty and staff. He will be remembered for his contributions to both schools.”

Currier noted that school counselors and psychologists are available to students, faculty and staff to help them through the grieving process.

In an interview this week, Wilson’s family remembered him as “an adventurous man …He had a love for his students, but believed in challenging their minds.

“Perry lived his life on his own terms and was a unique individual. He had courage of his convictions … The family would like to thank his co-workers, students, and friends for the many acts of love, kindness, and prayers extended to our family during this time of bereavement.”

Wilson is survived by his father Louis Wilson, brother Glen L. Wilson and sisters Carmen L. Wilson (John) Cunningham, Tina. M. Wilson, and Bonnie K. Wilson all of Edwardsville, Ill.; brother Anthony M. Wilson of Houston, Texas; and sister Patricia E. Wilson of Charlotte, N.C.

Longtime friend and DoDEA colleague Krista Hurley said of Wilson “Perry was not someone you know; he was someone you experience! He was someone you could count on – count on being there, being true to his word, and always being himself. He will truly be missed.”

 The funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at the Mt. Joy Missionary Baptist Church. The church is located at 327 Olive Street, Edwardsville, IL. The family requests that flowers be sent to the church address, and cards or donations be sent to Louis Wilson at 317 Olive Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025.