Last Saturday, the streets of Murray came alive with the excitement of Homecoming, and at the heart of the festivities, Marcus and Rhonda Perry welcomed guests to their historic home on Main Street. Their return to Murray comes just in time for Homecoming season, and the couple planned to celebrate in a way that mirrors their big hearts and love for the community by hosting a parade party on their porch. The Perrys opened their doors to friends, family and anyone passing by, creating a gathering that reflects their deep love for the community they have returned to.

“We hope that we have a house full of people,” Rhonda said.

The celebration is more than just a party to the Perrys—it is meant to be an embodiment of a true homecoming, a symbolic return to their roots after nearly two decades away. 

In 1993, Marcus and Rhonda Perry left the campus of Murray State as newlyweds with promising futures ahead of them. The high school sweethearts out of Dyersburg, Tennessee initially settled in Murray following graduation to begin their careers, which eventually led them to Texas. After about 19 years of building careers and lives in Houston and The Colony, they have returned home, reconnecting with the community that first shaped them. 

For Marcus, former football player and active member of the Racer Football Alumni Association, the return feels like a long awaited homecoming. 

“Even pre-covid, we would always talk about coming back,” Marcus said. “We would come back for football games…alumni events.”

“Probably about a year ago [Rhonda] just thought, ‘Hey, I’ve worked for Celanese, let’s see what else is out there’.” Ultimately, Rhonda took on a remote position, opening the doors for the two to finally act on their longing of returning home. 

Rhonda majored in chemistry before transitioning into a legal career. She echoed Marcus’ sentiment, while diving deeper into how the move has impacted her personally. For her, moving back to Murray also means being closer to family, especially with her niece currently enrolled in the university’s nursing program.

“I feel like we’re here and able to be a support mechanism for her,” Rhonda said.

In August, the couple purchased a historic home on Main Street, a property they had admired since their previous time living in Murray. 

“Even when we lived here, we would drive by it and always thought, ‘That is a cool-looking house,’” Marcus said.

But it was when a friend of Marcus sent over a Facebook post announcing the property being for sale, that encouraged the Perrys to take the plunge. Built in 1906, the house holds deep character, something that drew Rhonda and Marcus to it. Looking past what was somewhat of a project, the Perrys eventually fell in love.

“It just has so much charm,” Marcus said. “It really does.”

As they settle back into life in Murray, the Perrys are ready to embark on their next chapter—one filled with community involvement and giving back. Rhonda reflected on how Murray State and the city of Murray itself has treated her and Marcus well.

“It’s just good living and we’ve got a lot to be thankful for.”  

Rhonda said she intends to explore ways of giving back to Murray State by sharing her professional experiences with students. “I plan on…coming in to provide lectures for students so that they have a practical, real-life approach to how work gets done,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Marcus is ready to pour into others by continuing the community spirit that has made the town known as “good ole Murray.”

“The things, the people, and the happenings that made us want to move back to Murray—I see it as our job to correlate that into the next generation,” he said.

For the Perrys, returning to Murray is not just about coming back to a place—it is about reconnecting with a sense of belonging. For them, home truly is where the heart is, and their hearts have always been in Murray.