Thomas Alvin Perry

August 6, 1943 – October 4, 2026

A Life of Love, Family, Faith, Service, and Lasting Memories

Some lives are remembered for the years they lived, while others are remembered for the love they shared, the lives they touched, and the legacy they leave behind. Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of Thomas Alvin Perry—a beloved husband, father, bonus-father, grandfather, brother, Uncle and friend. His life was filled with meaningful experiences, cherished relationships, a deep love for family and friends, and a commitment to serving others.

Born on August 8, 1943, in Tipton, Oklahoma, to Thomas Perry and Elsie Martin, Thomas began a journey that would take him to many places, introduce him to countless experiences, and connect him with people who would become an important part of his story. Through his love for family and friends, appreciation for life's simple pleasures, and faithful service to his church, Thomas created memories that will forever live in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Thomas graduated from Lincoln High School in Altus, Oklahoma, in 1961. He went on to build a career spanning more than three decades as a service manager at an automobile dealership. Through years of hard work and dedication, he established a career that became an important part of his life's journey.

After decades of working, Thomas welcomed retirement with a clear sense of purpose: it was time to relax and enjoy life! He had put in the years of hard work, and now he could enjoy the freedom that retirement offered. He spent his time connecting with family and friends, traveling, fishing, and doing the things he loved. Sometimes, the perfect day meant simply settling into his favorite chair, watching television, and enjoying the comfort of home. Thomas understood the satisfaction of working hard and the blessing of having time to enjoy the life he had built.

Thomas shared his life with his beloved wife, Sammie Dunn Yancey Perry, whose companionship brought him a run for his money; coupled with friendship, growth, and a forever partner. He expressed his love in simple but meaningful ways, whether driving Sammie wherever she wanted to go or taking her out to enjoy a good meal.

Yet some of their most treasured moments were not spent traveling or dining out, but right at home. They enjoyed sitting together in their living room, talking and sharing time with one another, and lying together at night before drifting off to sleep. These quiet, everyday moments reflected the closeness they shared and the love that made their life together special.

Their story reminds us that love is not always expressed through grand gestures or extraordinary occasions. Sometimes, love is found in the willingness to go wherever your spouse wants to go, the pleasure of sharing a meal, the comfort of sitting together at home, and the peace of ending each day beside the person you love.

These simple, intimate moments became treasured parts of Thomas and Sammie's life together. They remind us that some of life's greatest blessings are found not in what we do, but in the time we spend with the people we love.

Family was an important part of Thomas's life and legacy. He was preceded in death by his siblings Henry Perry, Ruth Ann Perry, and Emanuel Perry. He leaves to cherish his memory his surviving siblings, Benny Perry, Rosie Willis, and Harry Perry, along with many extended family members and loved ones.

Thomas was the father of Darron Spencer (daughter) Paul Spencer(Son-in-law) and the caring bonus-father of Jacqueline Yancey and Samantha J. Yancey. He also experienced the heartbreaking loss of his children, Roslyn Perry and Thom Perry Jr. Their memories remained an enduring part of his heart until the day he went home to be with the Lord.

Thomas's love and family connections will continue through his grandchildren, extended family, and the generations who will carry forward the memories of his life. His presence will be missed, but the stories, experiences, and relationships that shaped his life will continue to be shared and remembered.

Thomas enjoyed a variety of interests that brought him happiness throughout his life, including fishing, cars, sports, traveling, and taking pictures of family and friends. He appreciated opportunities to explore new places, capture special moments, and share life's experiences with the people he loved.

His travels took him to Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Colorado, and many other destinations. Each journey added to the collection of experiences and memories that made his life enjoyable.

Whether he was enjoying a fishing trip, following his favorite sports, admiring cars, taking photographs, or spending time with loved ones, Thomas found enjoyment in the things that made life meaningful to him. The memories he created through these experiences will remain a treasured part of his family's story.

Thomas's relationship with God was an important part of his life. As a devoted member of World Conquerors Church in Oakland, California, he faithfully supported the ministry through his service, generosity, and commitment to helping advance its mission:

Building people, impacting our community, and reaching the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Thomas demonstrated his dedication by placing invitation and directional signs throughout the church neighborhood, helping others find their way to the church and inviting them to become part of its fellowship. Through this simple but meaningful act of service, he helped create opportunities for others to connect with the church and hear the Gospel.

He also gave generously to programs that helped provide housing, food, and educational opportunities for the church's partners. Thomas understood the importance of supporting efforts that helped meet the needs of others, and his generosity contributed to the ministry's ongoing work in the community.

One of the special ways Thomas showed his kindness was through his generosity toward the children of the church. He was affectionately known for giving them money for the offering or simply putting a little something in their pockets. These thoughtful gestures reflected his caring heart and willingness to bless others in ways that brought joy to their lives. For those children, such moments became small but meaningful reminders that someone cared about them.

Thomas also enjoyed attending the men's meetings at WCC, where he occasionally shared his heart with the men. Through his presence, personal reflections, and willingness to connect, he became a father figure to many. He earned the love and respect of numerous men in the church who valued his wisdom, his sincerity, and the relationship they shared with him.

Thomas's service was a meaningful part of his legacy. He demonstrated that supporting the work of the church extends beyond attending services; it also means giving, serving, encouraging others, and helping people experience the love of Christ. His generosity and faithful involvement reflected his commitment to his church family and its mission to make a difference in the community and beyond.

On October 4, 2026, Thomas peacefully departed this life at home, resting in his beloved La-Z-Boy chair. His final day reflected the familiar rhythms of the life he enjoyed. He was sitting in his chair, watching church online, taking care of some bills, watching football on television, texting his wife, and talking with family and friends.

There is something especially meaningful about remembering Thomas this way—not in a place unfamiliar to him, but at home, in his favorite chair, enjoying the everyday activities and connections that were part of his life. He was staying connected with his beloved Sammie, keeping up with his responsibilities, watching the sports he enjoyed, and communicating with the people who mattered to him.

These familiar details offer a personal glimpse into Thomas's life and remind us that a person's story is made up not only of major milestones, but also of ordinary moments that become extraordinary memories to those left behind.

Though his earthly journey has come to an end, his story does not end with his passing. It continues through the family he loved, the friendships he treasured, the memories he created, the service he rendered, and the lives touched by his presence and generosity.

Today, we do more than mourn the passing of Thomas Alvin Perry—we honor his life, celebrate his journey, and give thanks for the legacy he leaves behind. His life reminds us that love is often expressed through everyday acts of care, faith is demonstrated through faithful service, and a meaningful legacy is built through the relationships we nurture and the lives we touch along the way.

Thomas Alvin Perry lived a life filled with work, family, friendship, faith, and service. His journey reminds us to appreciate the people we love, treasure the ordinary moments that become extraordinary memories, and leave behind a legacy that continues to bless others long after we are gone.

Forever remembered. Deeply loved. Always cherished. We Love you Thomas.