Obituary of Perry Bryan Lovell

Perry Bryan Lovell Jr, 89, of Ocala, Florida passed away peacefully on February 20, 2022 surrounded by his family at his home. He was born January 2, 1933 in Winfield, Kansas, the youngest son of Perry and Ora Lovell. He and his family moved to Ocala when he was a young child, and continued full-time residence in Ocala for the remainder of his life. Perry graduated from Ocala High School in 1951, where he was one of “The Big 4” recognized as the top academic graduates of the senior class. He was a 4-year letterman in track, the anchor man in the 4-man relay. At one time he held the record in the state of Florida for the fastest mile. He graduated the University of Florida in 1955 with a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering. He was also a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. It was at the University of Florida where his life-long love for Gator football began. Perry was the co-owner, with his brother Armand Lovell, of Lovell Brothers Auto Parts, covering seven counties in north central Florida. He was a member of First Baptist Church and faithfully sang in the choir. Perry loved restoring antique automobiles, mostly early 1900 models such as Brush, Buick and Maxwell. He could be found in his shop many nights restoring these wood and metal structured vintage cars powered by one- and two-cylinder engines, while listening to big band music. He won several national 1st prize awards for his completed automobiles. He was an avid golfer, enjoying many days on the golf course with his son and friends. Perry was a private pilot; his favorite aircraft was a Cessna 172 and the Fornie Air Coupe. He loved to RV and travel with his family and pets across North America and Canada, frequenting the national parks. He and his wife also enjoyed many travels abroad to Europe. To pass the time, he and his wife loved watching movies such as Father Brown, Downton Abby, and game shows like Jeopardy, with their loyal companion Max curled up at his side. Perry enjoyed a peaceful, simple life, coffee and newspaper included, as he watched others busily keeping up with the day. Even in his later years as he met many health challenges, he was not a quitter, but a fighter—every single day. Perry is survived by his wife Patricia Ann Lovell of 39 years, his daughter Laura Leigh Lovell Lawlor of St Johns, FL, his son William Bryan Lovell of Ocala, FL. He is also survived by stepdaughter Rebecca Lee Hagood of Ocala, FL, and stepsons Mark Edward Lee of Silver Springs, FL, Gregory Scott Lee of Pensacola, FL, and David Brent Lee of Ocala, FL. He has 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 4:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of Ocala. Arrangements entrusted to Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 SE Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34471. Condolences may be left at Hiers-Baxley.com. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Hospice of Marion County.