Thomas C. Perry

There are those people we encounter in life who do not seem to fit into any of the cubbyholes that we so often use to attempt to define our relationships with each other. Thomas Clayton Perry was one of those people. From day one, he was born of a father who was known to his family as H. C. Perry with no clear knowledge of whether the initials had names associated with them. This did not matter, because he would forever be known as "Doc" Perry. Even the road named for him honored his moniker, Doc. Thomas came into this world being birthed at home in the Sargent Community on April 1, 1939, but his consequential birthdate did not make him anybody's fool. His mother, Zeddie Smith Perry, was a salt of the earth mother. Never flashy, but a woman of Godly intentions who was fully invested in her life as a homemaker. She did help bring some of the bacon home with her work at textile mill nearby. Growing up in the years just after the depression, money was a tight commodity. Thomas left his schooling before graduation, but that certainly did not mean he was through learning. He built upon years of practical experience and on-the-job training at James River Corp. He would later complete his formal education and receive his delayed high school diploma. Later in life, Thomas, also known as "T.C.", enrolled in EMT training and passed with flying colors. He worked with Melvin Hunter until he retired. Thomas' story was defined by his 67-year marriage to Betty Ann Gordon Perry. They met when "Peaty" (another Perry who used a moniker) was out riding around in the country and saw Thomas (not known to her) and a friend walking down the road. She offered these guys a ride if they would buy some gas for her car. The story is that Thomas only had four cents in his pocket, but that bought him the next 67 years with Peaty! Anyone that knew the Perrys knew that they were famous as cooks and there is no telling how many pigs and chickens gave their all to them in their efforts to make the best barbecue and stew to be found anywhere. Their scrumptious food and the jovial air with which it was served made them favorites near and far. "Daddy Hoss" loved his life and when he was not cooking, he loved fishing and was always up for a quick trip to Biloxi to people watch and spend the children's inheritance. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents as well as his two brothers Delmos Perry and Donald Perry. He is survived by his beloved Peaty. To some of his family he was known as "Da" and that might include his children Kim Tillia and her husband Jerry, Tommy Perry and his wife Loralei, Alan Perry and Joey. Richard White though not blood kin was loved as if he was. His grandchildren are Tina Hawkins, Katie Anderson and Lynsey, John Thomas (you won't be surprised that he goes by J. T.) and Meaghan Perry. Great grandchildren are Jesse Hawkins, Christian Hawkins, Alexis Hawkins, Victoria Frazier....wait for this, "Tori". The life of this good man will be recalled with honor and stories of truth and maybe slight exaggeration on Monday, November 20th at 2:00 PM in the McKoon Funeral Home Chapel and will be led by Brother Ray Putnam. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 noon. Interment will be in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mckoon.com. McKoon funeral Home and Crematory 770-253-4580.

Thomas C. Perry

April 1, 1939 - November 15, 2023