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Harry Wayne Perry, 75, of Elizabethton, Tenn., passed away on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at Hillview Nursing Home/Rehab Center after a gallant and courageous battle with leukemia. Harry was born in Elizabethton to the late Dorothy and George Perry. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two sons, Joshua Perry (J.P.) and Joshua Lightsey (J.L.); two brothers, George Perry and David Perry; two sisters, Joan Kyker (Eddie) and Brenda Burleson (Steve); a brother-in-law, Keith Benfield; and a sister-in-law, Brenda Perry.

Harry was a faithful member of Lynn Valley Baptist Church. He was a proud retired Army veteran with 32 years of service. After retiring from the Army, he worked at Walmart of Elizabethton for 23 years. 

Harry loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved the outdoors, was an avid hunter, loved to fish, working in the garden and spinning tales with his many friends.

Those left to cherish and remember Harry include his beloved sons, Kevin Perry (Jackie), Matt

Neece and wife Christy, and Jared Lightsey (Hannah); 10 grandchildren, Dylan Perry, Ashelynn Perry, Chase Perry, Jordan Lightsey, Kamryn Lien, Gage Lightsey, Taneah Lightsey, Jade Lightsey, Aliyah Lightsey and Cassius Neece; three great-grandchildren, Emmit Genet, Nora Perry and Oliver Lien; a brother, Ken Perry; and a sister, Barbara Benfield. He is also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Our family wishes to thank Dale Williams and Judy Venneman, Dr. Jamal Maatouk, and the caring staff of the Kingsport Cancer Center, Dr. Angela Merrifield and the staff of Amedysis Home Health, Hillview Nursing Home and all the nurses, CNAs and techs that had walked the walk with Harry. We will never forget special friends, Hubey Chapman, Ron McCall, Ronnie Caldwell, Ken Clark, Joel Venneman, Paul Bellamy, Joe Buckles, Samantha Clawson and all his friends at Lynn Valley Baptist Church. Thank you Mel for the books and magazines and for helping keep Harry’s spirits up. He called you “good old Mel” and loved talking and laughing with you. The family is so grateful for the many friends who were there for us in such trying times.

A service to honor and celebrate the life of Harry will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 3, in the Riverside Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, with Rev. Tim Tapp officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home chapel prior to the service. The graveside service will follow in the Ensor Cemetery (Stoney Creek Community-128 Ensor Graveyard Road, Elizabethton, Tenn). Active pallbearers will be Matthew Neece, Jared Lightsey, Bob Norris, Chase Perry, Cassius Neece and Dylan Perry. Honorary pallbearers will be Glenn Arnold and Eddie Kyker. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations in memory of Harry to the Mission Fund at Lynn Valley Baptist Church, 1367 Broad Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Words of love and comfort may be shared with the Perry family by visiting our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.

Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is honored to serve the family of Harry W. Perry. (423) 542-2232; Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.