Dr. Percy received a master's degree from Wayne State University and a doctorate from Columbia University. He was a teacher, counselor, principal, personnel director and deputy superintendent in Kalamazoo Public Schools before being named superintendent in 1961.
Under his direction, Kalamazoo was recognized as Michigan's outstanding school system. He was also superintendent in Mt. Prospect, Illinois.
He chaired committees on the state and national level for American Association of Retired Persons.