As we mourn the loss of a beloved father, Odis Perry, we also celebrate the incredible life he lived. Our hearts are heavy with grief but also filled with gratitude for having had the privilege of knowing and loving such a remarkable man.
Odis was a man of many virtues. He possessed a rare combination of strength, gentleness, wisdom, and humility, making him a truly extraordinary person. He approached life with an open heart and an open mind, always ready to lend a hand or offer a kind word. And then there were his jokes. Oh, how he loved to tell jokes! He had a knack for bringing a smile to everyone's face, even in the most trying times. His sense of humor was infectious, and his laughter was the music that filled our home.
He believed that laughter was the best medicine, and he was always ready with a joke or a funny story to lighten the mood. Whether it was a corny dad joke or a clever punchline, he knew how to make us laugh, and those moments of joy are some of our most cherished memories.
Odis accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Damascus Baptist Church in Gloster, Mississippi, under Pastor James Robinson. Odis graduated from Amite County High School in 1971, where he was a member of the high school marching band.
Odis Perry is survived by his devoted wife, Tammy Perry, who has been married for 51 years. He is survived by his children Kelly Perry Lipscomb, Marilyn Perry, Tara Craddock Hunter, and Hilton Craddock Jr., sixteen Grandchildren, And twenty-eight great-grandchildren.
Odis leaves to cherish his memory: four sisters, Lorean Perry Nunnery of Las Vegas, Nevada, Nancy Perry-Scott of Baton Rouge, La. Sarah Perry Franklin of Florence, Mississippi, and Vickie Perry Page (Tony) of Jackson, Mississippi; three brothers, George Perry of Baton Rouge, La., Charles Perry, And Freddie Perry (Voyda) of Gloster, Mississippi.
One brother-in-law, Robert Anderson, of Baton Rouge, La.; two aunts, Jessie Featherstone of Indianola, Mississippi, and Jeanette Perry of Gloster, Mississippi; two uncles, Alvin Bell of Chicago, ILL, and James Stamps of Cleveland, Mississippi, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Odis was preceded in death by his parents, Lorenza (Wren) and Rosa (Rosie) Perry of Gloster, Mississippi; one brother, Alton Lewis Perry; one sister, Tyree Perry Anderson; two brothers-in-law, James C. Nunnery of Oxnard, California, and Gerald Franklin of Florence, Mississippi; two sisters-in-law Dorothy Perry of Natchez, Mississippi, and Bessie Perry of Baton Rouge, La.
The Family of Mr. Odis Perry extends our gratitude for your sincere condolences during this difficult time. Your kind thoughts mean a lot to us, and we are deeply thankful for your compassion. Your kindness will always be remembered and cherished, with eternal blessings.
A Tribute to My Husband
Although my heart feels broken, you are why I can testify to real and true love. You have been everything to me and our children, and although it breaks my heart to know you won't be here in the flesh, I find comfort in knowing your spirit is resting with the Father. Sleep well, my love, until we meet again.
Tammy Perry