May 12, 2024, 76, La Grange —
June 21, 1947 – May 12, 2024
Thomas Timberlake Perry was released from the cares of this life on May 12, 2024. He was born in Lenoir County to the late Francis Andrew Perry, Jr. and Susan Austin Timberlake Perry on June 21, 1947. In addition to his parents, Tom is preceded in death by a brother, Charles Perry.
It goes without saying that Tom marched to the beat of his own drum. He was known to push the limits but was always willing to accept the consequences of his actions. Tom was a “goof” at heart, fun-loving, and mischievous. He was a master chef in the kitchen, but never quite mastered the art of cleaning it up when he was finished. Tom’s family recalls him being the definition of a Jack-of-all-trades. Truly one of a kind, Tom’s passing transitioned him from unique to complete.
Family was at the forefront of Tom’s life. His grandsons loved their “D-Daddy” and Tom worshiped the ground they walked on. Loving, considerate, and protective, Tom regularly told his wife and girls not to worry, that he would “take care of it” no matter what “it” may be. He always followed through with that promise. No one left Tom’s presence without hearing the phrase passed down from his grandmother and mother, “Love you the best!” Tom’s dogs were also a part of his family. He treated them as if they were his children, always instructing Debbie to “tell the dogs I love them” when he wasn’t able to.
His dogs weren’t the only animals that Tom enjoyed being around. He was well-known for his complete lack of fear when it came to snakes. When farming tobacco, Tom was always required to go into the tobacco barn first to check for snakes before anyone else would enter. He fearlessly picked them up and removed them to another location away from everyone. From the everyday green snake to a water moccasin, Tom was never afraid to care for God’s slithery creation.
A service of love and remembrance will be held at La Grange Christian Church on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 11 a.m. Committal will follow at Fairview Cemetery in La Grange. Family will greet friends at the cemetery immediately following the service.
Tom is survived by his wife of 35 years, Deborah Herring Perry; daughter, Jessica Gorall (Dwight); a niece whom he loved and raised as his daughter, Elise Tracey; grandchildren, Ryan (Samantha) and Benjamin Gorall; siblings, Francis Andrew “Drew” Perry, III, Fleeta Griffith, Lucinda Mitchell, Janyce Gagne, Loretta Holden, Gwen Ford, and Edwin Perry; along with a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews; and his beloved canine companions.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to
Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America
8719 Colesville Road, STE 100
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
