Paul Oliver

 

 

On March 30, 1984, the future Parade Magazine All-American was introduced to the world by his mother, Janice Oliver. The youngest of three brothers, Paul was not overly talkative, but he immediately had a way about him that made people gravitate towards him. He had an innate ability to bring his family together and was the brother and son who made sure his family was taken care of from an early age. He truly separated himself in athletics.

Paul rose to become one of the nation’s top-five defensive backs during his days at Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Ga., with a dozen interceptions and more than 120 tackles during his last two years suiting up for the Hoyas. But his talent stretched beyond the gridiron. Paul set Harrison’s 400-meter dash record and was part of the school’s record-setting 4x400m relay team. As a standout multisport athlete he had the potential to have a collegiate career in track or football. Paul found his true passion in football.

After sifting through scores of scholarship offers, Paul decided to attend and play football at the University of Georgia. His drive for the sport blossomed in Athens and he connected with another family – his Bulldog teammates and coaches. It was also on the UGA campus that he met a Bulldog volleyball player from California named Chelsea Young and the two quickly became inseparable. On the field, Paul battled for playing time his first two seasons before starting all 13 contests in 2006 and finishing with 57 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss, and three interceptions. His final season with the Bulldogs finished with a highlight, as Paul limited future NFL All-Pro receiver Calvin Johnson to a pair of catches for 13 yards during the win over the Yellow Jackets.

Paul decided to throw his hat in the ring during the 2007 NFL Supplemental Draft and was selected in the fourth round by the San Diego Chargers. He ended up playing in 57 games for the Chargers between 2008-11, starting 12, and had 144 stops to go with an interception during each of his five years in the League. During this period, Paul, the quiet, driven defensive back, and Chelsea, the outspoken volleyball setter, married and had two sons, Simeon and Silas.  Paul had a relentless love for his wife and kids and found his new life’s passion in being a father and husband.

After Paul retired from the NFL, his characteristic drive began to fade. He suffered near constant headaches and battled depression. Paul departed this world too soon on September 24, 2013 at the age of 29. His brain was donated to the UNITE Brain Bank, where Dr. Ann McKee diagnosed him with Stage 2 (of 4) CTE. In 2019, the University of Georgia Athletic Department launched the “Wall of Inspir8tion”, where students can post inspirational notes to others and find informational materials on where to find help if you are struggling. Paul’s legacy will never be forgotten by his Bulldog family.

Benny Perrin

Obituary for Jesse Bennett “Benny” Perrin

Jesse Bennett “Benny” Perrin was born October 20, 1959, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Orange County, CA, to Joe and Barbara Perrin. Benny was the younger of two sons. He was 18 months younger than his brother, Braxton Perrin. When Benny was in elementary school, Joe’s retirement from the military landed the Perrins in Decatur, AL. Benny found his love for sports at The Boy’s Club. He attended Decatur High School, where he stole the stage with his extraordinary talents in baseball, basketball, and football. He was a quarterback and defensive back for the late coach, Earl Webb, at Decatur. He earned High School All-American and All-State Honors in football in 1976 and 1977. Decatur made the Class 4A State Semifinals in football in his junior and senior years. Decatur went 20-5 in Benny’s two years as starting quarterback. He was named All-State in baseball and basketball in 1977 and 1978. He was a starting guard for the basketball team in 1977 – 1978 season. That year, Decatur made it to the semifinals in the class 4A State Tournaments under Coach Earl Morris. He also started at shortstop for Decatur’s baseball team for four years.

After high school, Benny played football and baseball at The University of Alabama. He had the honor of playing under the legendary Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant from 1978 – 1981. Benny’s two interceptions against Auburn in 1981 helped the “Bear” reach his 315th record-breaking win. He was Defensive Player of the Year for Alabama, and played in the 1982 Senior Bowl. During this time, Benny had to ask permission from Coach Bryant to marry his high school sweetheart, Debbie Morris Halbrooks.

Perrin was drafted in the third round of the 1982 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals, and played four seasons in the league. He was the first player to win Defensive Player of the Week in his first ever start as a rookie. In addition, he was an alternate to the 1982 Pro Bowl. He played in 48 games, had 9 interceptions, and 1 touchdown. He was Defensive Captain as a rookie, and had numerous game balls. After a routine physical detected a cervical fracture, Benny was forced to retire from the NFL.

The Perrins then returned to Decatur and opened BB Perrins BBQ. They gave birth to three wonderful children, Jesse (Anna Marie), Mary Caitlin Brown (Alex), and Sara Beth. On February 2, 2007, Benny married his wife, Courtney. The have had 10 years of marriage and a lifetime of memories together. He was fortunate to experience the birth of his first grandson, Brooks Bennett Perrin, on July 4, 2016. Benny spent his free time assisting his son, Jesse, coaching freshmen and JV baseball for the Hartselle Tigers. Coaching was a passion he loved dearly. More than anything else, Benny enjoyed spending time with his family. They were his love and his priority.

Benny’s success from football didn’t come without a price. Throughout his football career he suffered several concussions. The past few years he silently fought a battle he ultimately could not overcome, although he tried with all his might. Benny suffered from chronic migraines, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia that he could not escape. His family witnessed his mental health declining. Despite seeking medical help, Benny took his own life on February 3, 2017. Our family is determined that neither his pain, nor his death will not be in vain. We will fight to shed light on Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and the effects of multiple concussions on the brain. It is for this reason, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, monetary donations be made to the Sports Legacy Institute. Donate online by visiting https://trusted.bu.edu/s/1759/2-bu/giving or write checks to: “Trustees of Boston University” with “BU CTE Center” in the memo line, and mail to: Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord ST, L-219, Boston, MA 02118.

Benny had a relationship with Jesus Christ, and because of that we know that we will see him again. We want to encourage everyone to continue his legacy by loving, serving, and caring for others the way he always did. Please join us on Sunday, February 12, 2017, at 5:23 p.m. at Epic Church to celebrate the life of our hero, our number 23!

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