Tommy Charles "Bubba" Perry
August 30, 1951 ~ September 23, 2023
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.
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I worked with Tommy at the Fire Department and we both worked part-time at the Powder Keg. He was a dedicated firefighter and had a wealth of knowledge on hunting and fishing and was a good man. Rest in peace bro and don’t catch ‘em all.
I will miss u bubba I luv working with u n just being around u I swear
Bubba is what we called him at Scotland house this was my heart I’m going to miss him his smile everything about him I’m going to miss him I love you Tommy Perry (BUBBA) ❤️😔
Alfred I am sorry to hear of your family’s loss. My thoughts and prayers ae with you all. Martha Lucas
I hadn’t seen Tommy in a while, however I’ve known him for years and he was a great man. He always had a fishing story to tell me. I’m praying for his family and friends. He will truly be missed.
Thank you for your service. God bless your family
RIP Tommy Perry. It was an honor to have known you and to be your friend. Until we again, don’t let the fire go out too much.
I grew up in the same neighborhood with Bubba.we had great times I remember building the big tree house in the woods behind their house.I will miss you but still have memories God Bless your family.
To remember your love for forest and rivers. You are loved . Hugs and kisses dear cousin.Love you Millie Jo Sanders Hampton Urbanna, Virginia
Capt. Perry was a great teacher. Even though his official title was Engineer in the RMFD he was an awesome leader or Captain in my life. I was fortunate enough to be trained by him in Fire Brigade, First Aid / CPR, Hazardous Materials. I enjoyed conversing with him and gaining knowledge. I will never forget his wisdom and his wit. Kind Regards, Kevin Shaw
Sending prayers and condolences from Westridge Pines/Loblolly Road
Tom was a great guy and friend! He taught several CPR/First aid training for me when I was Safety Mgr at Cummins Engine and SE&M. He really enjoyed fishing and fished many tournaments with Cummins Engine bass club. He will be missed in so many ways! Our prayers are with his family.
So saddened to hear the news of Mr Tom’s passing. He was a kind,wonderful man. He taught CPR for my Nurses Ministry at Light of Peace Baptist Church for many years. He loved to teach and we loved to hear his firefighter stories. He will be greatly missed. Praying for his family especially his son he spoke of him often and was very proud of him.
May Mr Tom Rest with the angels
Sincerely
Shoan Whitley and family
Prayers for the family.