Héctor I. Pérez, a dedicated Christian servant, respected camp administrator, and cherished family and friend, sadly passed away on August 14, 2026, following complications from open-heart surgery. He spent a lifetime serving others through ministry, hospitality, and leadership.
“Héctor and Anabel were an incredible addition to the Texas Conference family,” said Ismael A. Castillo, PhD, president of the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. “Héctor’s passion for camp ministries was undeniable. It has been amazing to see the progress made at Lake Whitney Ranch in the past seven years. I pray we can continue his work at Lake Whitney Ranch to develop it into the retreat center he envisioned, where people of all ages could come to relax, enjoy, and encounter Jesus.”
Born on November 4, 1963 (his daughter shared during the memorial service that it technically should have been listed as November 3), Pérez devoted much of his professional life to camping ministry within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. His passion for creating safe, welcoming environments where young people and families could grow spiritually encompassed more than three decades of service. His career included leadership roles at Pine Springs Ranch in Mountain Center, California; Camp Berkshire in Wingdale, New York; Lone Star Camp in Athens, Texas; and, most recently, as the director of Lake Whitney Ranch for the Texas Conference in Clifton, Texas.
“It was such a pleasure to work with Héctor,” Randy Terry, CPA, Texas Conference treasurer/CFO and Lake Whitney Ranch Operating Committee chair, added. “His level of energy was second to none. I miss his enthusiastic calls, ‘Randy, I have to tell you ….’ He was so excited when the open-air pavilion was complete. I think he sent pictures to everyone. We were really blessed to have Héctor and Anabel join our team. His determination not to let obstacles stand in the way of progress was inspirational. I am thankful that Anabel can continue her ministry work at Lake Whitney Ranch.”
Pérez had a diverse knowledge, earning an Associate of Science degree in Computer Science from Antillean University in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. Before entering full-time camp ministry, he held management positions in other industries, including leadership roles with Circuit City. His education and skill set made him a one-of-a-kind camp director.
A longtime advocate for Christian camping, Pérez was actively involved with the Association of Adventist Camp Professionals (AACP) and contributed to the broader camping ministry through leadership and service. His influence extended far beyond the properties he managed, touching countless campers, staff members, church members, and guests whose lives were enriched by his ministry.
Pérez will be remembered for his dedication to God’s work, his generosity of spirit, his love for people, and his unwavering commitment to providing places where others could encounter faith, fellowship, and the beauty of God’s creation.
By Tamara Michalenko Terry, APR, Public Relations director for the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Previous Updates
**Update from 8/14/26** It is with profound sadness that we share the news that Hector Perez passed away this morning. During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they navigate this immense loss. Let us come together to offer our support and compassion, holding them close in our hearts. Thank you for your continual prayers on their behalf. We will share more details when they are available.
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**Update from 8/13/26** Anabel requested to share an update on Hector. She is so appreciative of your prayers. It has been a challenging week of ups and downs. Right now, Hector is facing major challenges and needs divine intervention. Thank you for continuing to lift him up in prayer.
**Update from 8/11/26** Anabel shared that Hector had his surgery yesterday. The procedure began later in the day and finished in the evening. He is currently in the ICU, so only family members are allowed to visit him. Thank you for continuing to pray for his recovery.
**Update from 8/9/26:** Hector is currently scheduled for surgery on Monday around noon. Your prayers and support mean the world to both him and Anabel. Thank you for keeping them in your thoughts and prayers during this time.
**Update from 8/6/26:** Hector and Anabel are incredibly grateful for all the prayers, comments, emails, and messages they have received. They had no idea that sharing their experience would resonate with so many people. Currently, they are in Austin, awaiting surgery. The doctor has shared that there have been many miracles along the way, and they are praying for more. While they had hoped to have the surgery this week, circumstances have prevented that from happening. Trusting in God, they believe the surgery will be scheduled at the right time. Thank you for continuing to pray for them as they navigate this journey.
On Sunday, August 2, 2026, Lake Whitney Ranch Director Hector Perez started feeling unwell, so Mario Escobar, Lake Whitney Ranch Plant Services manager, took him to the Clifton hospital. There, Hector was diagnosed with a heart attack and subsequently transferred by ambulance to the hospital in Waco.
On Monday, August 3, 2026, doctors initially planned to insert a stent but discovered that Hector had significant blockage in his arteries. As a result, he is now scheduled for open-heart surgery later this week in Austin.
Texas Conference President Ismael A. Castillo, along with Executive Secretary David Runnels, Treasurer Randy Terry and Hillel Martin, pastor of the Waco and Killeen Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church, met with Hector and his wife, Anabel, Lake Whitney Ranch manager. They gathered to sing, pray, and anoint Hector before his transfer to Austin later today.
We invite you to join us in praying for Hector, his family, and the hospital staff caring for him. The family appreciates all your prayers for Hector and welcomes any messages you would like to share. You can add them to the comments on the Lake Whitney Ranch Facebook or Instagram social channels or email lwr@txsda.org.
–Tamara Michalenko Terry, M.A., APR, Texas Conference Public Relations Director
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