On Aug. 6, 2023, at age 67, John L. Perry was called to God’s glory. Although you wouldn’t know it from being in his presence, he was enduring a long battle with cancer. John leaves behind his loving wife of 40 years, Yolanda R. Perry, his daughter Omega Broderick (Nelson), and son Adam Perry (Dominique). He was lovingly called” Grandpappy” by his grandchildren, twins Isaiah and Avery Broderick, and Mackenzie Perry.

He was preceded in death by his father, Nathaniel Perry I. He leaves his mother Cora Perry to cherish his memory, along with his siblings, Deborah Foye (Dexter), Nathaniel Perry II (Laquita), Jennifer Starks (Melvin), and Rowena Johnson. His sister-in-law, Sandra Gilmore (Darrick), brother-in-law, Orlando Russell Sr., three nephews and four nieces. One nephew Sean Burden and one niece Ariel Foye preceded him in death.

John was born in Nashville, TN where he lived much of his rambunctious young life. John attended schools in LaFollette, TN, Oakridge, TN, and Norfolk, VA. He was an athlete and a dedicated Boy Scout with just a few badges away from becoming an Eagle Scout. While in high school he joined the ROTC which prepared him to eventually join the US Army in 1975. John worked as an Air Traffic Manager for the military. This allowed him to travel internationally to Korea, Panama, and the Netherlands. He later transitioned to the civilian workforce in 1988 and worked for Braniff International Airways. Over the years John worked in many capacities.

Anyone who knew John Perry knew he loved music! He could listen to it from sun-up until sundown. It was music that connected him to Yolanda, the love of his life. John was a well sought out DJ while the two were in the military. He was a supportive husband and father, and an affectionate Grandpappy. Not only did he enjoy music but dancing too, and quite often with a tambourine in hand! John was full of joy and could typically be found with a smile on his face. If there was a Bar-B-Q, he was the grill master and made sure everyone ate. If a family member or friend needed help, he would jump right in with assistance.

John was a huge sports fan, but saying he loved the San Francisco 49ers would be an understatement. He could always be seen wearing 49ers paraphernalia all year long (Santa hat, home/away jerseys, baseball hat, slippers, and the championship jacket).

John Perry was exuberant, optimistic, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He will forever be missed and always be in our hearts. 

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