John Henry “Butch” Perry, Jr.
09/10/1941 – 01/05/2022
Obituary for John Henry “Butch” Perry, Jr.
John Henry “Butch” Perry, Jr.
John Henry “Butch” Perry, Jr., 80, passed away peacefully, January 5, 2022. John was born in Knoxville, TN, on September 10, 1941, to the union of Eula Bell Burnett Perry and the late John Henry Perry, Sr. He was a 1959 graduate of Austin High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Knoxville College in 1964, a Master of Science degree in Education from the University of TN in 1967 and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Education in 1980 from Southern Illinois University.
He taught Physical Education for 15 years at Mississippi Valley State University and 18 years at Maryville College, where he served as the head of the department and became the first African American professor to receive tenure. He was a 60-year member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Preceded in death by father, John leaves to cherish his memory: loving mother, Eula Boyd; his devoted wife of 57 years, Joyce Kimbrough Perry; daughters, Joycelyn Perry and Jarenda Perry-Goodman; grandsons, Carlos (Ashley) Goodman, Jr. and Michael Montgomery, Jr.; great-grandchildren, Lennox, Landon, Leah, and Ava; sister, Betty Lowery; brother-in-law, Anthony Kimbrough; sister-in-law, Mae Kimbrough; aunt, Mary Sanders; nephews, Marvin (Meshelle) Lowery, Jr., Frederick Lowery, and John-Christopher (Cordia) Lowery; special cousins, Norman George, Evelyn Carter, Sylvia Hemphill, Betty Blackman, Judy Burke, Shirley Kincaid, and Yolanda (Lydell) Hammond; and a host of other family and special friends.
Omega Service at 12:30 p.m., receiving of friends, 1:00 p.m., funeral service at 1:30 p.m.; Saturday, January 15, 2022, at Lennon-Seney United Methodist Church. Rev. Leah Burns officiating; Rev. Dr. Adam McKee, Eulogist. The family is at 5912 Windtrace Lane, Knoxville, TN 37914.
COVID-19 guidelines will be followed. Face masks are required.
Arrangements by JARNIGAN & SON MORTUARY
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Receiving of Friends
Saturday, January 15, 2022
1:00 p.m.
Lennon-Seney United Methodist Church
2084 Dandridge Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915
Funeral Service
Saturday, January 15, 2022
1:30 p.m.
Lennon-Seney United Methodist Church
2084 Dandridge Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915
RECEVING OF FRIENDS LOCATION
SERVICE LOCATION
Very sorry about Mr. Perry passing. My Deepest Condolences to each of you.
God Bless
Our prayers and thoughts are with each of you during you time of loss. We pray the peace of God be with you,
To the family of our beloved servant Brother Perry
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
In pray for the family during this time,
Love, Anthony & Paula
Joyce & Family,
What good friends to have and my prayers are with the whole Perry Family during this time of grief. John’s wit will always be a memory for me. I always enjoyed being in the presence of the two of you and Joyce you have such sweet memories. God’s Blessings to you Joyce and your entire family.
Erma Jones
“May God who knows your sorrow bring peace, comfort, and healing to your soul. Keep your memories close to your heart, praying for you.
God Bless and Keep you,
So sorry for the loss of your love one. We will be praying for you all.
My heartfelt condolences on your loss. Dr. Perry was one of Mississippi Valley’s greatest.
Extending our thoughts to the family in the hour by of bereavement. John personified goodwill and excellence.
God we ask that you will continue to surround the Perry family with your love. Hold them close in your arms. Please give them the peace that only you can. Thank you for the life of Brother John and legacy of love, compassion, joy, intellectual reflection and resilience that he left those that he touched. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
Special prayers for the Perry family.
Joyce and family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the loss of John, your soul mate, father and former classmate. M ay the God of comfort continue to hold you close as you grieve this great loss.
Maxene Boland