CAK mourns death of head of school

The Interim Head of School at the Christian Academy of Knoxville, Dan Perryman, passed away on New Year's Eve.

According to the school, he was admitted to the hospital on Christmas day for stomach issues. He passed away on New Year's Eve after suffering from complications following surgery.

Perryman's family held a Celebration of Life and reception in his memory Sunday at First Baptist Concord.

Teachers and faculty members held a special ceremony in his memory at the school on Monday. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to CAK "in order to further the spiritual growth and discipleship of the students."

Faculty members described Perryman as being the 'calm in the storm' of CAK.

"One of our students who was dealing with a similar issue health-related as Dan had, went to visit him in the hospital and I got a text from the young man last night that said Mr. Perryman's last words to me were 'we'll be okay' and that just sums Dan up," said CAK physical education teacher and coach Shane Wells. "It's just the way he was, he made everyone feel okay."

Perryman's assistant Cindy Price referred to the head of school as the 'best boss' she has ever had.

"Dan and I shared a love for circus peanuts and orange slices and we both loved to eat so we had good times," said Price. "He was just somebody that I could talk to about anything and he truly was a spiritual leader and he was my mentor and I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to work with him."

The school will hold a special ceremony for the students on Tuesday after lunch. Counselors and teachers will make themselves available to any student who may need help coping with the loss, including Perryman's two grandchildren that attend CAK.

The family said any cards or letters written to express love for the family can be sent to the CAK Business Office at Christian Academy of Knoxville, Attn: Perryman Family, 529 Academy Way, Knoxville, TN 37923.