Joe Vann Perry

The family of Joe Vann Perry is saddened to announce his passing on 04/17/2025. At the age of 78, he entered into his eternal life with Jesus Christ. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 1:00 PM, at the Brownsville Funeral Home with Pastor Wes Selecman and Bro. Ryan Pattat officiating. Burial will follow at the Young Cemetery in Gadsden, TN. Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Brownsville Funeral Home.

Joe will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Patty Perry, son Bradley Perry (Jessica) of Miramar Beach, FL; Stephanie Perry Byrum (Billy) of Medina TN, Candace Higdon Selecman (Wes) of Collierville TN, and Justin Higdon (Nikki) of Clarksville, TN. His beloved grandchildren, Bradley Barnes Perry, Anna Kathryn Perry and Cecilia Frances Perry, Cooper Lane Byrum, Ava Claire and William Luke Selecman, Samuel Lincoln Hidgon and Marshall Rhys Higdon.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Joe Carl Perry and Varion L. Burress Perry.

Joe was born on December 9, 1946 in Humboldt, Tennessee. He graduated in 1964 from Gadsden High School in Gadsden, TN. Joe served a combined 40 years in the United States Army and Army National Guard, where he retired as a Master Sergeant. In the true spirit of who he was, he volunteered to deploy with another unit other than his own in Operation Iraqi Freedom. After he retired, he worked as a military contractor and later as Haywood County Emergency Management Director.

Joe will be remembered as a loving husband, father and Poppy. He could be found most weekends at Woodlawn shores or Cherokee Boat Dock, boating and enjoying the Tennessee River with his family and friends. During weekends in the fall, he’d be cheering on the Vols and was a season ticket holder for many years. He also enjoyed duck hunting with his son and grandson. He spent countless hours supporting his grandchildren thru attending sporting events, daddy daughter dances and grandparents’ day. A devoted Christian, his faith was incredibly important. Joe lived a full life of joy, faith, patriotism and love. He was happiest when surrounded by his family, especially his wife, children, grandchildren and two dogs Charli Ann and Isabella.

Pallbearers for the service will be Allen Brown, B.J. Brown, Robert Reynolds, Mark Tenpenny, Jared McCord and Bill Cearley.

The family has requested memorials be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 or to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148-0142. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.