Tommy Charles Perry

SCOTLAND NECK – Tommy Charles “Bubba” Perry, 72, passed away Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023.

Tommy was first and foremost a family man. But it wasn’t just blood relatives that he considered family. For 31 years, he called the Rocky Mount Fire Department home. When he retired in 2016 at the rank of engineer, Tommy had mentored hundreds of young firefighters over the years, trying to instill in them the love he had for this public service. He died on the anniversary of the day in 1985 he became a firefighter.

After graduating from Rocky Mount Senior High, Tommy received degrees in forestry from Wayne County Community College and botany from North Dakota State University. He briefly worked in construction, the forestry service and coal mines before finding his true home as a firefighter. At 34 years old, Tommy was oldest firefighter recruit in Rocky Mount to make it to retirement.

He was a compassionate and giving man, with a big heart. He often would volunteer to work holidays so his fellow firefighters could spend time with younger children on Christmas. He taught CPR and first aid to young people or caregivers to the elderly or patients with special needs.

One of his brothers said it best: “The Rocky Mount Fire Department touched his life and was his life. From top to bottom, he appreciated them all, loved them all. They were his brothers.”

Tommy was born Aug. 30, 1951, in Edgecombe County, the second oldest of four boys. Growing up, he loved the outdoors, which led to a lifelong passion for hunting and fishing. Whether it was with his fire department family or his blood relatives, you’d often find Tommy in the woods or on a lake, enjoying life. He was a good fisherman, winning several trophies in regional tournaments over the years.

Tommy’s parents, Alfred Thomas Perry Jr. and Helen Jean Brantley Perry, preceded him in death, as did his sisters-in-law, Darlene Smith Perry and Audrey Jones Perry.

Tommy is survived by his son, Thomas “J.R.” Perry (Laura); his daughter, Christi Perry; his brothers, Bobby Ray Perry (Tina), Alfred Keith Perry (Bonnie) and Richard Gene Perry (Erika); grandchildren, Madison, Daniel, Josh and Emma; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service to celebrate Tommy’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29 at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, with the Rev. Jimmy Carpenter officiating. Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 1-1:45 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.